* Unexpected twists and turns in the narrative: The poem might start down one path and then abruptly change direction, leaving the reader reeling.
* Unconventional language and imagery: The poet might use words in unexpected ways or create jarring images that challenge the reader's assumptions.
* A sudden shift in tone: The poem might start light and playful, then turn dark and serious, or vice versa.
* A hidden meaning or message: The poem might seem straightforward on the surface, but upon closer examination, a deeper meaning emerges.
* A surprising ending: The poem might end with a shocking revelation, a thought-provoking question, or a simple but profound statement.
Examples of Surprise in Poetry:
* Imagery: "The road was a ribbon of moonlight" - the unexpected comparison creates a surprising image.
* Twist: "The world is full of magic, but it's often hidden in plain sight." - the shift from a straightforward observation to a statement about the unseen creates surprise.
* Hidden meaning: "The raven sat upon the bust of Pallas, just above my chamber door" - the poem's surface meaning is about a raven, but the hidden meaning is about the narrator's grief and loss.
* Ending: "And so, the world went on, as if nothing had happened." - the unexpected ending leaves the reader contemplating the poem's true meaning.
Ultimately, what makes a poem a surprise poem is the element of surprise itself. It's a poem that makes the reader sit up and take notice, that challenges their expectations, and that leaves them thinking long after they've finished reading.