Cento [1]
The cento [3], whose name is derived from a Latin term meaning “patchwork,” is a form of fragmented poetry originating in the third century consisting of lines taken from poems written by other poets. Contemporary centos often offer a humorous juxtaposition of contrasting images, ideas, and tones. Read centos written by John Ashbery [4] and Simone Muench [5], and then try writing your own, sampling verses from diverse time periods, styles, and subject matter, and citing your sources at the end.