Poesy, therefore, is an art of imitation, for so Aristotle termed it in his word, mimesis, that is to say, a representing,
counterfeiting, or figuring forth; to speak metaphorically, a speaking picture, with this end, -- to teach and delight.
Sir Philip Sidney, "The Defense of Poetry" (1579)
mimesis n. The imitation or representation of nature, especially in art and literature:
"The earliest theory of art . . . proposed that art was mimesis, imitation of reality."
Susan Sontag The Heritage Dictionary, Houghton Mifflin Co. 1979
Exercises in Mimesis
Listen to the sounds about you; and phonetically write whatever you hear.
Try to accurately recall something someone recently said to you; and it write down in that person's voice.
Listen to someone read or recall a poem you've recently read; and try to write it down by memory.
Write an original poem in the style of a famous poet.
Write a poem imitating a radio or tv newscast.
Write a poem in the voice of a well known historical figure.
Listen to someone in your class speak for three minutes; and write what you heard.
