The eNotes Blog Searching for theWords

Searching for theWords How to turn your next Google search into poetry. The Dadaists of the 1920s developed an interesting poetic technique you may have tried yourself, that of cutting up a text and rearranging its words to create a whole new work. Yes, before you crafted dirty limericks on your fridge with a packet of word magnets, respected authors and poets turned to the technique, from William S. Burroughs in the 1960s, to Jonathan Safran Foer with Tree of Codes. But why turn to newsprint and scissors in the manner of a kidnapper composing a ransom note, now that we have search engines to create mash-up poetry for us? Below are examples of the sometimes funny, philosophical, and even romantic results of punching a few search terms into Google, which are all collected in the enviably brilliant tumblr Google Poetics. A Greek deity-esque conception. Deep thoughts from Google. Why, Google? Whyyy? Google Maps might help you with that. And a special original: Only Chuck Norris can save you. Why not see what poetic genius you can generate in your web browser? Try your hand and post your results in a comment for us!