The oldest students were part of a poetry unit this fall where they had to study the work of three different poets. Many chose lyricists. They were asked to select three poems for each poet or lyricist to study. Next they had to write an analysis on this body of work. We asked students to share a favorite phrase, and analyze the style, subject matter, and imagery. Finally they had to write a poem, of their own, inspired by the work of each poet, and to illustrate it.

Here are excerpts of a poem inspired by Lewis Carroll:

“Mr. Fish swim and play

This the scary shark did say

I don’t trust you scary shark

Your pointed teeth will leave a mark.”

 

And another inspired by 21 Pilots:

“Sitting on my bed, I see the demons

I see the dark closing in on me, don’t let me close my eyes,

If I close my eyes, I will see the horrors in front of me.

They whisper to me; they call my name.”