Poetry Project

1. Poetry Project Due Friday, April 25, 2014! At the end of the bell!!!!

2. Mother to Son Version • Based on Langston Hughes’s “Mother to Son.” • Page 543 of blue book • We used the lines to help us. • At least 20 lines long (like in the book.)

3. “Teacher to Student" Well, students I've got to tell you Life for me in the beginning was like a slow drive on a sunny day, But its had bumps in the roads, Road blocks, Detours, Car crashes, with injuries and ambulances, But through all of this I keep on riding in the car Stopping for gas Taking breaks along the way. But still traveling on Riding through all the tough spots No matter what So students even when there are detours or road blocks Don't stop riding through this life. You are gonnamake it If you don't give up Just like me keep riding Life for me wasn't always a drive on a sunny day.

4. “Meemaw to my grandaughter" Well, sweetheart I've got to tell you Life for me in the beginning was tough like no harvest because of no rain Its had drought, Bugs attacking, Sleet, Dry soil, With thunderstorms and freezing rain, But through all of this I keep on planting Sewing and reaping Taking the good with the bad. But still never giving up on the farmland Plowing and weeding through growing season And harvest time no matter what So sweetheart even when there are droughts or storms Don't stop planting and growing in this life. You are gonna make it If you don't give up Just like me keep growing and glowing Life for me wasn't always a good harvest.

5. Around Poem • This is like a time line of your life. • You tell at least 10 major events. • Every line starts with “Around [year]…”

6. “Around Ms. Sib” Around 1980, I came into this world in the month of March…on the 27th day. Around 1982, I asked Jesus to come into my heart, He has walked beside me ever since. Around 1984, I knew that I wanted to be a teacher when I grew up. Around 1986, I was baptized at my church to show that I follow Jesus and that He is my God. Around 1988, I went on first sleep over with my red-headed best friend, Alanna, Oh what fun we had! Around 1990, middle school started for me but then it was called junior high, 7th grade was GREAT! Around 1993, high school began, math was my worst subject but I had a wonderful group of friends. Around 1996, I moved to Greenville, began college and it took awhile since I was working to pay for it. Around 1996, I went on my first mission trip with my youth group. It was a work mission trip. Around 2005, I graduated and began teaching middle school, the world wind of fun. Around 2007, I went to China and taught English as a second language for the first time…this was the beginning…the seed of ESL that would grow into a much bigger mission. Around 2010, I went to Slovenia for the first time to teach English and share the love of Jesus, then Haiti…a life changing experience. I hope to go back again one day. Around 2013, I will go to Romania to teach English and share Jesus.

7. “My First Arounds” Around 1980, I came into this world in the month of March…on the 27th day. Around 1982, I asked Jesus to come into my heart, He has walked beside me ever since. Around 1984, I knew that I wanted to be a teacher when I grew up. Around 1986, I was baptized at my church to show that I follow Jesus and that He is my God. Around 1988, I went on first sleep over with my red-headed best friend, Alanna, Oh what fun we had! Around 1990, I moved to Tennessee, where the mountains are tall and the winters are cold. Around 1992, I began junior high in North Carolina, it was a long year of lots of news. Around 1992, Dawn said the meanest thing that I ever thought anyone could say to me. Around 1993, I had my first BIG crush on a boy, man was he cute! Around 1994, we moved to a new house, it was the biggest house we ever lived in! We loved it! It had a huge basement that we played in as well.

8. Important thing poem • Each stanza starts with “The important thing about______ is ______.” • Give 2-3 details/ sentences to describe it more • End with “But the Important thing about __________ is _______.” (same as first line.) • You need 4 stanzas at least.

9. Important thing poem The important thing about me is teaching and talking. Teaching makes me happy Talking, listening, and encouraging others, so important But the important thing about me is teaching and talking A LOT. The important thing about Jesus is that he is with me. In my worst situations he is there When sin or anger comes, he empowers me do right The important thing about Jesus is he doesn’t leave me. The important thing about family is that it is difficult and wonderful. Sometimes family is so difficult, even when you need them Awesomeness on Christmas day, everyone smiling and laughing together The important thing about family is sticking through difficult and wonderful. The important thing about friends is praying, staying, and caring. Friends always pray when life is good or bad…sometimes really bad They encourage in word and deed The important thing about friends is praying, staying, caring.

10. Important thing poem The important thing about me is that I like to teach and talk. When I teach it makes me happy, especially when I see my students get it or dive deep into knowledge. When I talk and people listen or are encouraged that is so important. But the important thing about me is that I do teach and talk A LOT. The important thing about Jesus is that he is with me and he helps me everyday. When I am in my worst situations he is there. When I want to be angry or sin, he helps me do what is right. The important thing about Jesus is he doesn’t leave and is my help in every thing. The important thing about family is that it is tough sometimes and wonderful at other times. Family can be so difficult to around even when you need them. Family can be awesome like on Christmas day when everyone is smiling and laughing together. The important thing about family is sticking through the tough times and the sweet ones. The important thing about friends is that they pray with me and care in so many ways. Friends are always praying for me when life is good or bad…sometimes really bad. They also know how to encourage with words and deeds. The important thing about friends is that they pray and care.

11. Free Verse Poem(Words) • This is a poem in response to a comment a person said to you. • Good or bad • This is about how words matter and stick with us. • It DOES NOT have to rhyme. • It must be at least 15 lines!

12. Words are BIG Words Big or small Mean or kind What do you say? Your words can make or break others How do you say it? Your words can make or break you Are you aware of the others that they affect? Your words can build up or tear down How do you want others to know you? Your words show your heart Out of your heart your mouth speaks You can’t hide who you truly are Words are what people hear and see Who will you be?

13. Where I’m From • Must be THREE stanzas—at least three lines • Describes where you are from. • A lot of the lines start with “I’m from…” • There are lots of interesting descriptions in this. • Use an example of alliteration

14. “Where I’m From” I am from_____(a specific item from your childhood home) From _____(two products or objects from your past) I am from _______(a phrase describing your childhood home) And ___________(more description of your childhood home) I am from _______ (a plant, tree or natural item from your past) Whose _________ (personify that natural item) I am from _______ (two objects from your past) From _________and _________(a family name) (another family name) I am from ______and ________ (a family trait/tendency) (another family trait/tendency) And from __________________ (another family trait, habit or tendency) From ______________________ (another family trait, habit or tendency) I am from ___________________(a religious phrase or memory) I am from _______and ______ (an ancestor) (another ancestor) From ____________(two foods from your family history) From ______________ (a specific event in the life of an ancestor)and from _________________ (another detail from the life of an ancestor) __________________________________________(a memory or object you had as a child) I am from those moments __________________________________________ (conclude by finishing this thought or by repeating a line or idea from earlier in the poem)

15. “Where I’m From” I am from a soft blue and pink blankie From hand prints and yummy grits for breakfast I am from a warm, cozy house And lots of laughter I am from a family tree Whose roots are deep in the South and started in Ireland I am from a jewelry box and friendship bracelet of hearts From the Sibleys and the Colemans I am from blue eyes and freckled faces And from a deep valley and flat farmland I am from Jesus loves me this I know I am from Maggie Jewel and Lois Marie From homemade biscuits and sausage gravy From World Wars and from the Great Depression A Strawberry Shortcake rocking chair I am from those moments each one important and sweet

16. “I’m from all over” I’m from where the snow falls The valley dips deep in the mountains The waterfall is our source of water I’m from where the boggy bayou lives Where people dance in the sunny streets Where the blues and jazz were created I’m from the mountains of the south Where the Smokey Mountains soar Where people hike to Pretty Place

17. “I’m from ” I’m from Irish isles and America From where the people talk, talk and laugh Where we gather every summer just to see each other. I’m from crawfish, gumbo and jambalaya From sausage biscuits in the early morning From fried okra and a table full of family and food. I’m from southerners, who lived their whole life in one place From a small town in Georgia From a deep valley and tall, refreshing waterfall

18. Personification • You become an object and tell society something they need to learn from the objects perspective. • Remember: the oil danced....the spruces curtsey…the brook sings. • Become something else. • At least 10 lines. • Use an example of assonance.

19. ` Dinnertime Chorus The teapot sang as the water boiledThe ice cubes cackled in their glassthe teacups chattered to one another.While the chairs were passing gasThe gravy gurgled merrily As the oil danced in a pan.Oh my dinnertime chorusWhat a lovely, lovely clan! My Town The leaves on the ground danced in the windThe brook sang merrily as it went on its way.The fence posts gossiped and watched cars go bywhich winked at each other just to say hi.The traffic lights yelled, ”Stop, slow, go!”The tires gripped the road as if clinging to life.Stars in the sky blinked and winked outWhile the hail was as sharp as a knife. Nature's Chorus Willows bend to their partnerswhile the spruces curtsey in response. Cherry trees form a circleand the oaks dance just like debutantesof woodpeckers tapping on their trunksand squirrels chattering in the boughs.Listen to the sounds of nature’s chorus What fun it does arouse!

20. “The Tree” The tree stands tall And not one tree ever falls Directing others where to go with branches Pointing to the sky, onward and upward While the sun shines the tree stretches to the sky Basking in the warmth Leaves dancing in the wind As the blooms spring forth in The trees surrounding sing out The grass cackles with joy The tree smiles at the night sky filled with stars The tree bows her head to sleep

21. 13 ways Poem • You describe an object in 13 different ways. • Try and be as creative as possible. Each stanza should be 2 or 3 lines. • Two examples are on the board.

22. Music, books, movies, Bible, faith, church, mission trip, perspectives, prayer “The 13 Ways of Music”   1.       Music (N or App)                   2. Imagine not hearing music                 3. So many types of Amazing and melodious                        How sad that would be….                         Music Awe-inspiring                            If you could not have music                     classical, big band, jazz Uplifting                                       In your life                                                      rap, hip-hop, blues                                                                                                                                                         heavy metal, classic rock                                                                                                                                               scream, ska, acapella 4. Shakespeare once wrote,       5. Music is everywhere we go         6. What is music to you?          “If music be the food of love,         From stores, to school, to work       Does it make a difference play on, play on.”                                 To church,  mosque, synagogue       In your life?             Music is part of how we exist         It’s in every                                             What does it mean? In this life and the next.                    Place                                                                   Offering so much grace. 7. Musicals                                          8. Music                                               9.  Dear Music, The drama with singing                      Poetry put to melody                                   How I love thee! You Or the laughter with singing             Metaphors that sing                     inspire me. Oh how I love the dancing with                      Words said in rhythm                   Build me up.    The singing                                              Sentences sung in rhyme           Make me happy or sad.                                                                                                                                                Thanks for being you.                                                                                                                                                                 Love, Me 10. Music                                             11. Big Band Music                           12. Live music Come and be my friend                                     You make me want to                     To hear a songwriting Make my life sweet                             Jump, jive and wail                            Sing With your melody.                              Swing dancing is so FUN!                Concerts make me long                                                                                                                                         To sing, really sing 13. Piano music Soothing, smooth Quieting for the soul Mood setting and writing time Brainstorm list: Music, books, movies, Bible, faith, church, mission trip, perspectives, prayer “The 13 Ways of Music”   1.       Music (N or App)         2. Imagine not hearing music                 3. So many types of Amazing and melodious              How sad that would be….                        Music Awe-inspiring                            If you could not have music                 classical, big band, jazz Uplifting                                       In your life                                           rap, hip-hop heavy metal classic rock, ska, screamo Shakespeare once wrote,       5. Music is everywhere we go         6. What is music to you?          “If music be the food of love,         From stores, to school, to work       Does it make a difference play on, play on.”                                 To church,  mosque, synagogue       In your life?             Music is part of how we exist         It’s in every                                             What does it mean? In this life and the next.                    Place          Offering so much grace. 7. Musicals                                          8. Music                                9.  Dear Music, The drama with singing                      Poetry put to melody             How I love thee! You Or the laughter with singing              Metaphors that sing               inspire me. Oh how I love the dancing with         Words said in rhythm             Build me up.    The singing                                         Sentences sung in rhyme      Make me happy or sad. Happy                                                                                                       Thanks for being you.                                                                                                                              Love, Me  10. Music                                             11. Big Band Music                   12. Live music Come and be my friend                        You make me want to          To hear a songwriter Make my life sweet                              Jump, jive and wail                 Sing With your melody.                               Swing dancing is so FUN!           Concerts make me long                                                                                                                       To sing 13. Piano music Really sing Soothing, smooth Quieting for the soul Mood setting and writing time

23. Ode • This is a 10ish line poem • It rhymes • It is to an object or person you really like and want to tell something. • We saw “Ode to Hairspray” and “Ode to Icecream” • I would like an “Ode to Cell Phone” or “Ode to Facebook” or “Ode to Twitter” or “Ode to My English class”

24. “Ode to Sushi” Oh Sushi! Roll of rice and fish I always get my wish I’m never blue When I order you Yummy, smooth and new I can’t just eat a few I think of all the fish It comes on such a pretty dish Wrapped in seaweed or rice It always taste so nice Oh Sushi! I love you so!

25. Extended Metaphor • This is like “Firework” by Katie Perry. • This is a 7-10 line poem where you describe yourself or another as an object. • Explain over lines how that person shows they are ___________. • You can use the metaphor you started at the beginning of the year and add to it.

26. “I am a story” I am a story I have had an excellent exposition The story began so well The characters were all assembled The cast is quite unique Special in so many ways I don’t think the climax has happened yet I am still building up to the BIG one I am in the rising action events of my life Only God knows what the climax and resolution will be

27. Narrative Poem • You tell a story in your poem. • At least 4 stanzas of 4 lines each stanza • It would be great if it rhymed, but it doesn’t have to. • Example “The Village Blacksmith” p. 544 and “The Highwayman” p. 558.

28. “Courage My Mother Had” • This is based on the Poem on page 537. • We used a lot of the lines and basically changed only the second stanza. • You fill in the parts that are relevant to a person you love. • Either someone who is dead or we are pretending—emotion is part of art. • It is ok if you feel sad—you should, that is the purpose of this poem.

29. “The Honesty My Meemaw Had” The honesty that my Meemaw had Went with her, and is with her still A tall pine from Georgia’s forest Now granite in a granite hill. The butterfly brooch my Meemaw wore She left behind for me to have I have no thing I hold more dear Yet, it is something I could live without. Oh, if instead she’d left for me Her Honesty The honesty like a spring, which she Has no more need of, and I do.

30. REMEMBER: • Neatness and presentation count because points can be deducted for each!! • Make sure to include a picture or illustration for every poem. • This is due at the end of class on Friday, April 25, 2014.