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A found poem is one in which words and phrases are taken from various sources and then strung together to make sense. It is so named because the elements which compose the poem are "found". The words or phrases "found", although they were written in totally different contexts and not meant to be used together, all have some kind of common theme. When placed together, they make a poem that makes sense.

First example:

Get a newspaper and cut out some headlines. These will be the elements of your found poem:

The Ledger
Local Scout Earns Eagle Award
Inflation Up 15%
Clinton Is Called to Testify
Sadaam Speaks
Life goes On for Widow
Girl Names Assailant
Teacher's Job Is Done
Long-time Aide Retires
Life Styles of the 90's

Second example:

Go into a store and jot down some of the words you see on signs and put them all together to make a poem.

SuperMart
fresh Strawberries - 90 cents a pound
please keep cooler door closed
thin-sliced bread - 2 loaves -$1.00
refunds only with receipts
our bouquets made fresh daily
pay for cookies at deli
you break-you buy
the customer is always right
we aim to please.

Found poems can be lots of fun and they allow you to exercise your creativity.