The Icebreaker That Shook My Nerves
I first played the “Three Things, One Is a Lie” game at Bill Moran‘s poetry workshop. It was intended as an icebreaker activity, though it didn’t quite break the ice for me. Instead, I sat quietly, hiding my face, overwhelmed by the overly personal nature of the things I had prepared to share. My feet grew cold as the anticipation built.
The Rules of the Game
The premise of the game is simple: list three facts about yourself, with one being a lie, an almost-truth, or something you wish had happened but didn’t. The audience then guesses which statement is the falsehood.
One participant claimed she does yoga every morning. The truth? She used to, but not anymore. She wished she could return to that habit, a small untruth that revealed a deeper desire.
The Poetry Behind the Lies
Beyond serving as a warm-up exercise, this game has a deeper poetic lesson. In writing, a ‘lie’ can break down the walls of our stories or ideas, allowing creativity to expand beyond normal boundaries. We do this often without realizing it: writing about fantastical elements like flying or magic, or exaggerating the traits of a character to make the story more compelling. Imagination and hyperbole add layers to our narratives, making them more engaging.
This realization has influenced my writing. Whenever I feel stuck, I push and break some walls further, stretching my creativity. It sometimes worries others, but rest assured, I’m okay. I’m just writing. Chill lah.
My Experience at the Workshop
Listening to others share their truths and lies was enjoyable. However, I wasn’t brave enough to share mine. They felt too personal and probably too brief. I believe that details can make dishonesty more obvious.
For those who have followed my journey and read this far, I appreciate your support. So, here are my three facts, one of which is a lie:
- Two children
- Two husbands
- Two mothers
Can you guess which one is the lie?
The Beauty of Creative Deception
This game and the lessons it taught me about poetry and creativity have stayed with me. They remind me that sometimes, breaking the walls of our reality can lead to the most compelling stories.
#poetry #sixwordstory
Reserve your guess!
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