While some anger is productive and beneficial, other angers are red-hot, insidious and corrosive to mind, spirit, and body. Thunder ‘n Writening is a series of writing exercises to externalize, explore, and exorcise anger, working towards one of the most difficult spiritual challenges — forgiveness.
EXERCISES to CREATE YOUR OWN THUNDER N’ WRITENING
1. Part I. See William Carlos Williams’ famous poem, “This Is Just to Say” which is an apology for taking the plums that “you were probably saving for breakfast.” It ends with, “Forgive me. They were so sweet and so cold.”
The writer doesn’t sound real regretful, does he? For complete poem, see http://americanpoems.com/poets/Williams/1047
Write your own apology poem- or a letter to someone asking for forgiveness. If you feel you don’t owe anyone an apology, but would like to receive an apology, write an apology letter from the offending party to you!
Part II: See Kenneth Koch’s response poem to William Carlos Williams’ poem. It is a parody filled with dry humor. Write your own exaggerated and hostile couplets. Don’t hold back!
2. See James Schevill’s poem: “A Screamer Discusses Methods of Screaming”
This is a great poem for writing and group discussion.
Writing Exercise: Write a poem discussing your personal way of screaming.
3. Write about your anger as though you were the other person in the confrontation.
4. Dialogue with Anger, as though it were a person; find out what Anger can tell you in script form.
Doodle it with markers. See The Annihilation Poem for inspiration.
Short Stories About Anger
“The Use of Force” by William Carlos Williams, a short story by William Carlos Williams
“Madam Zilensky and the King of Finland” by Carson McCullers
“The Crescent Moon Bear” by Clarissa Pinkola Estes
“Good Night, Willie Lee, I’ll see you in the morning”
