Practice Size And Shape Specifiers (SASSes)
Practice (2H) Symmetrical Classifiers
Practice Asymmetrical Classifiers
Create a mini-story to describe an object or pattern using SASSes
Read about ASL Poetry
ASL Poetry is the general category under which more simplistic ABC/# stories in ASL reside. Instead of poetry only being accepted as spoken/written—documented on paper—containing verbal rhythm, syllabic rhyme, and other poetic devices, Deaf Poets celebrate and showcase how visual/gestural sign languages possess analogs of spoken language poetry. Therefore are just as valid and bona fide as spoken/written poetry.
ASL contains rhythm, emphasis, and other poetic devices (assonance/consonance via similar handshapes, movements, palm orientations, and locations - the main Parameters of ASL signs).
With companies like Dawn Sign Press, Sign Enhancers, Signed Media, Inc., and independent publishers leading the way, the 1980s-2000s had an explosion of video-recorded ASL media, curricula, and ASL arts! Deaf Way in 1989 was a global celebration of Deaf identity and international multi-media Deaf Arts exhibits from around the world (paintings, sculptures, plays, performances, signed poetry, folklore/storytelling, etc.). And Deaf Way II (2002) was the second installment of the global celebration of the Deaf Arts, enhanced and expanded to include DeafBlind artists of all media from around the world, and extended arts installments in Washington, D.C., and its surrounding areas.
During all of these celebrations, recognizing the power and ability of Deaf (and DB) to create, to express, and to celebrate their cultures, languages, communities, and unique perspectives on the world without need for spoken word or ability to hear (and sometimes see!), International Deaf groups were able to revel in their abilities and possibilities, instead of being seen through the typical hearing/sighted lens of disability, inability, and pity/inferiority.
Some famous Deaf Storytellers/Poets (in alphabetical order):
Ben Bahan (YouTube - "The Wolf Who Cried Sheep")
MJ Bienvenu (YouTube - "Deaf Awareness Month 2015: MJ Bienvenu Interview)
Peter Cook (YouTube - "D-PAN Interview: Peter Cook - Poet & Storyteller")
Daniel Durant
Patrick Graybill
Ella Mae Lentz
Nathie Marbury (Austin Community College - Nathie Marbury Materials)
Mark Morales
Doug Ridloff
Crom Saunders (Homepage)
Sam Supalla (YouTube - "Best Whiskey In The West" Trailer)
Ted Supalla
Clayton Valli (Handspeak.com)
"The Importance of ASL Poetry" - The Buff and Blue (Gallaudet's Newpaper Publication)
American Sign Language: A Look at ASL Poetry
The Poem "To A Hearing Mother" begins at the 1:08 minute mark. (Prior to this, Ella Mae does not caption her video.)
Another famous ASL Poet (who sadly is no longer with us) was Clayton Valli! He elevated the field of ASL Poetry to truly masterful heights! In this collection of some his most famous ASL Poems, uploaded free to YouTube!, are multiple Deaf storytellers and fellow poets who were coached and taught Clayton's poems. They perform his works, so that they will not be lost. Prior to the advent of inexpensive and widespread video/filming technology, being able to document ASL Poetry was rarely done, let alone available for public consumption at a national/international level.
Crom Saunders, an ASL Storyteller, Poet, and all-around bad-ass takes Contemporary English Poetry/Stories and interpreting them with his signature eyebrow flair and signing style into compelling, memorable, and creative ASL! In the above video, he's translated Neil Gaiman's "The Day the Saucers Came" into American Sign Language. Crom also performs around the country and internationally for Deaf and hearing audiences alike.
A new wave of Deaf Poets/Artists can be seen, represented strongly and LOUDLY, by Doug Ridloff, a Deaf Slam Poet, ASL Coach, Actor, and writer, based in NYC. He sponsors and runs a monthly ASL Slam/Open Mic Night for the local Deaf Community to attend, perform, and share their ASL Poetry with each other.
(Interesting tidbit, his wife, Lauren Ridloff, is an accomplished actor in her own right, to appear in November 2021's Marvel's "The Eternals"! She has also been in several acclaimed Broadway and Television series, including "The Walking Dead", and was former Miss Deaf America, 2000-2002.)
Daniel Durant (most notably known for his mainstream work as an actor on CW/Freeform's "Switched At Birth" TV Show) is also a renowned Broadway Actor, having performed in "Spring Awakening". He also appears in the new movie "CODA" on Apple TV+ (08/13/2021).