Dialoguing in prose poetry

The prose poem as dialogue comes from Hazel Smith's The Writing Experiment and is about writing a short narrative in poetry form through two people speaking to each other. The focus is on what the characters say to each other and how they interact rather than the characters behind the voices. We do however get a good sense of the characters and a storyline through their exchange.

What you can do

Think of 2 characters. Write a short dialogue between the 2 characters about a subject that is important to them. Think also about the message you might like to convey through the exchange between the 2 characters.

Write down the page and incorporate natural elements of speaking. In other words, don't be too concerned about writing grammatically correct sentences. Try to mimic speech.

Sometimes when we start a dialogue in our heads, the characters start talking to each other. You can actually hear them. Go with your characters and let them lead you when you are writing.

Each time a new person speaks, start a new line. This will help the reader to follow who is speaking.

An example

The present

Can you stop that?

Stop what?

Tapping your fingers on the table like you’re playing the piano.

I am playing the piano.

Well can you stop it?

If you like. 

What’s that you’re doing now?

Tapping my feet.

Why are you tapping your feet?

Too much energy I guess.

Why have you got too much energy? Are you nervous?

A bit.

What’s making you nervous? You don’t get nervous.

Not normally, no.

What’s different about now?

A couple of things.

Like what?

Can’t say right now.
Why can’t you say?

Can you stop with the questions? You’re making me nervous.

You were already nervous. It’s not my fault you’re tapping your fingers and toes.

Ok, I’ll stop tapping. I’ll put my hands under my legs. Go back to reading your book.

It’s a good book. Mr Pip.

I know I’ve read it.

You’ve read everything.

Not everything. I haven’t read War and Peace.

Who has time for War and Peace? Are you tapping again?

No, just got a twitch. I have something for you.

What is it?

It’s in the bag.

What bag?

The bag at your feet. Here.

You got me a present. That’s so sweet.

Open it.

Ok, this is so exciting. You never do stuff like this. Why did you get me a present?

Just open it, you’ll see.

Ok, oh my God, it’s not. It’s not is it? You wouldn’t.

Wouldn’t what? Oh my God no. 

Oh, I thought maybe. You know it’s been 3 years.

Can you just open the present?

Okay, it’s something soft and squishy. You got me something soft and squishy.

Can you just open it?

I’m trying. You wrapped it real good.

Yeah, I got a bit excited with the sticky tape.

Nice paper.

I wanted it to be a bit fancy.

Oh that’s so sweet. A tightly wrapped squishy thingy in fancy paper. Here, let me give you a kiss.

I hope you’re okay with it. Like, I hope you’re ready.

I don’t quite know what to say.

Oh, don’t be upset. I want to make you happy, not sad.

You got me a squishy toy for a puppy.

Yeah, I thought we could.

Could what?

Well, you know, get another one.

Another puppy?

Yeah, maybe a golden retriever like you wanted last time.

Not a staffy?

Not a staffy.

What if it gets out again? 

I don’t know. Don't worry about that. Look it squeaks.

You’re making me cry now.

Am I?

But in a good way.

A good way.
Yeah, a good way.