Recently in my sign language class we learned just a little about American Sign Language Poetry. Instead of rhyme and meter, ASL poetry uses hand shapes and movement. Some poems will are created using only a few hand shapes throughout the entire poem. Others use number hand shapes or some use hand shapes from the manual alphabet to spell the item they are describing.
I tried my hand at creating an ASL poem. I use one hand shape for the entire poem--the “five hand”.
I’ve attempted to translate it into English, both just for the fun of it and so I can remember it. :)
BEAUTIFUL MORNING
Beautiful morning,
Sun shining so bright.
Happy am I!
Blossoming flower,
Smelling so sweet.
Butterfly dancing,
Rests on the bloom.
Beautiful morning!
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Simply beautiful!
I'd love to see how you did "butterfly dancing, rests on the bloom." How did you keep the two-handed butterfly and still make the bloom? We should chat about this...
Amy,
The hand movements in this poem are perfect! What is interesting is the words to your poem are beautiful for us "hearies" also! You don't see that often. Either it makes sense to those of us who can hear or it is understood by the Deaf community. Poems don't often bridge that gap where both communities can understand and appreciate them. Great job!!! Your teacher should give you extra credit points for this one.
Jan
ASL interpreter
