The WORD LIST format is a poem in the form of a list of words or phrases, possibly broken into sections with a coda or refrain. It can be either a verse or prose form, depending on the chosen words or phrases.

There is no set rhyme scheme, or stanza limit for the word list poem.


Example by Jacquii Cooke:

excerpt from Vagabundo (days of my lives)

1. frozen rain
2. shivering bonzai
3. space heater in a backroom
broken holes in the wall; holes -

I need a home…

4. feet lathered in a cold sweat
5. socks unclean & holy
6. racks hanging, no new fabrics to keep
the armoire stifled
7. empty bottles of used booze
collecting uncouth dust,
a eureka dream
watching an addicted fiend; fantasy:
8. cigarettes burning
in makeshift tray
of faux brass bought in GA
shape: the infamous peach -

I need a real home,
a true friend…