Over the weekend, one of my AP students was honored at a reception and poetry reading as he won first place in the high school division of the National Pen Women Poetry Award in our region. His poem is so moving, probably because it's so autobiographical and relevent for many graduating seniors. But I was so proud to be able to be part of the audience and witness this amazing achievent in his life. By the way, he wants to become an English teacher!
Packing Childhood
I knew not until I left, how difficult it would be
To live apart, out on my own.
The only thing that remains is (memories)
A tousled, musty orange, forlorn
Blanket hung upon my bedpost and fallen to the floor.
It shivered slightly in the breeze from the open door,
Waving, beckoning me back to childhood (wear it as a cape,
Build a fort, forget your chores, create a magic trick).
I take it and, folding, clutch it tight.
(The receiving Christmas, the first tear, stitch, and mend)
Still feeling her warm embrace, the scent of jasmine and sage,
(The smile upon her face during the summer dates)
With these, I am not alone.
I inhale, and am home.
Wow! What a powerful poem that everyone can relate to! You must be so proud!
ReplyDeleteElisha, what a wonderful poem. How talented he is! But I have a question. He entered a contest entitled "National Pen Women Poetry Award?" It must not be just for women. I loved the line "I inhale, and am home." It's great - magical. I gave an alternative assignment in my science class yesterday. Students could draw the water cycle, or they could do a water cycle rap song and perform it. The show is on Friday - I'll let you know how it goes.
ReplyDeleteYes, I'm very proud of Marc and his accomplishment, and the name is attributed to a group of women who originalted the award a long time ago (don't remember exactly when though); now men and women all different age groups/ranges compete in it. It's a great event to encourage the arts!
ReplyDeleteHi Elisha, just thought I'd check in today. I finished our reading assignment in Chapter 1 and I think I'll find it a stretch to apply the writing techniques the author describes to my experiences facilitating the needs of ninth grade science students but I'm determined to keep reading. I did relate to "I can only become their mentor, someone whose advice carries weight and truth, because I know writing from the inside, and I've shown them I do" (Atwell, 1998, p. 26). This made me thankful of the science research experiences I've had, and made me wonder how I can incorporate examples of authentic science into our curriculum.
ReplyDeleteThat really was a great poem! And to piggy back off of Mary Beth- I too loved the line "I inhale, and I am home." What a wonderful way to remember precious childhood memories. The poem really brought me back too and I love the feeling of holding on to an old blanket, closing your eyes, and reliving all those wonderful memories.
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