Onomatopoeia used in poetry

There are many elements of the English language that are great for learning. Jokes are a perfect example because they are fun to remember and retell. Today I'm combining two ideas into one post, onomatopoeia and poetry, to demonstrate another impactful way of learning.

Onomatopoeia is the formation of a word from a sound associated with it (like crunchy or sizzle, for example). Combine it with poetry and the result is very effective for setting a scene. For example, note how the use of onomatopoeia creates a strong image in the poem called "Camping".

Crack! Crack!
The fire crackles under the stars.
Sizzle! Sizzle!
The water sizzles above the fire.
Crunch! Crunch!
The campers crunching on potato chips.
Click! Clack! Click! Clack!
The tent poles clicking and clacking together.
Rustle! Rustle!
As we prepare our sleeping bags to go to sleep.
Chirp! Chirp!
The crickets say, “good-night”.

Can you identify all of the onomatopoeic words in the poem?

Learn Through Poetry

There are certain language learning methods that are extremely effective and one of them is through poetry. Poems provide an opportunity to see the language work creatively and freely, and the reader can often make strong connections with these words. Elements used, such as rhyming and metaphors, offer a special intensity to express feelings and ideas in this particular literary style. If a poem helps you create an image in your mind, then a connection is made, hopefully for a lifetime.

Another benefit of poetry for learning languages is the range of language levels. You can start with simple poems as a beginner and advance from there as your vocabulary grows.

Here is an example of vivid imagery and rhyming words in a poem by James Dunn, called Tales Of The Ocean:

The ocean, of deep blue mysteries,
Sways in a crushing pool of wonder and histories.
Full of life, larger than small,
The fish swim together, one and all.

It stretches further than the eye can see,
The ocean is entirely free.
Waves that crash on the rocky outcrop,
They will never not move, they will never not stop.

The ocean gleams off the bright sunset,
Sharks that lurk beneath, propose a threat.
Seaweed dangles beneath the broad sea,
Seagulls sway above flying in a spree.

Lifeguards rest on the shore ahead,
Crisp sea air blows against their head.
Dolphins, squids, seals and more,
Wait until you hear the whale’s mighty roar.

I love the ocean; it’s beautiful to me,
I just hope you see the same, I plea.