Question

Write two poems using two different forms about something you feel strongly about, or from the perspective of someone else. 10th grade level

example:
When ’It’s Hot
by Zakkiyah Johnson
When it’s hot, so hot,
when the sun preheats the street,
when the air smells like everyone’s breaths and there aren’t enough trees in the
world,
when the ground is a griddle that grills the unlucky frogs,
when the air conditioner burbles like a brook before it coughs and dies,
when it feels like your blood will break into a boil,
then put crushed ice in your eye-pits and hope to dream of snow.

To the Light: An Ode
by Zakkiyah Johnson
I don’t care what you are:
a candle,
the moon,
a lightbulb,
someone’s eyes.
When I first cracked open my cocoon,
dried my wings, and stretched them out,
you were the first thing I saw.
You were the only direction my wings would tilt.
You were the only thing I wanted.
You still are.
Even a flying scrap of feathery nothing
needs something to love, a reason
to beat its wings.
I singe the edges to prove my loyalty.

Then answer the questions

Which of the poems you read over the course of this unit did you find most inspiring when it came to writing your own poems? Why?
Consider the process of planning your writing. How was the experience of planning a poem different from that of planning a narrative or informational text? How helpful did you find the process?
What was the biggest obstacle you faced while writing your poems? How did you overcome this challenge? What would you do differently next time?
What did the experience of writing poetry teach you about yourself as a writer? What are your strengths? What can you try to improve in the future?
Think about some of the poetry you’ve written in the past. How do you think you’ve grown as a writer since then?

Answer 1

**Whispers of the Forest**
by [Your Name]

In the forest where the tall trees sway,
where whispers of green weave a tapestry,
the sunlight dapples the earth, soft and warm,
and shadows dance like secrets shared,
breath of the wild wrapping around me,
the rustle of leaves, nature's gentle hymn.

Here, every trunk is a memory,
roots intertwine like stories unspoken,
as children play hide-and-seek in the underbrush,
time measured in the songs of the birds,
the soft coaxing of the breeze,
telling tales of the ancient and the tender.

But the chainsaw’s roar, a thief in the night,
cleaves the silence, makes the silence scream.
The heart of the forest, once vibrant, now scars,
whispers turn to wails as green fades to gray.
We must listen and learn from each leaf that falls,
before all that remains are echoes of what was.

**A Letter to the Ocean**
by [Your Name]

Dear Ocean,
I write to you, drifting waves of blue,
the sound of your voice calls me back
to moments of laughter, joy, and peace.
You unfurl your arms wide, inviting,
but your tides carry stories both old and new.

Sometimes, I fear the secrets you hold—
the mighty storms that batter your shores,
the creatures that glide in your depths,
the wrecks that lay beneath, silent and lost.
You remind me of life’s fierce duality,
meek and strong, calming and wild.

Yet, I stand at your edge, heart racing,
watching the foam kiss the sand,
and I find myself drawn to your beauty,
the way you cradle the sun at dusk,
as if to say, “There’s always a return.”
How can I not love you, dear Ocean?

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**Reflection Questions:**

1. **Inspiring Poem:**
The poem "When 'It’s Hot" by Zakkiyah Johnson resonated with me the most. The vivid imagery and relatable experiences of sweltering heat made me realize how powerful sensory details can be in conveying emotion. It inspired me to focus on my own experiences with nature and how they shape my feelings.

2. **Planning Process:**
Planning a poem felt more introspective and emotional compared to planning a narrative or informational text. While narratives focus on a structured story arc and informational texts emphasize facts, poetry allowed me to explore feelings and imagery freely. I found the process both liberating and challenging, which helped in shaping the poem's emotional core.

3. **Obstacle and Overcoming it:**
The biggest obstacle I faced was finding the right words to express my feelings authentically. I overcame this by free-writing and letting my thoughts flow without judgment first. Next time, I would try to draft even more without thinking, allowing my creativity to control the pages before refining it.

4. **Writing Experience:**
Writing poetry taught me about my ability to convey complex emotions through simple imagery. I discovered that my strength lies in visual language and creating moods. In the future, I can improve by playing more with rhythm and sound, experimenting with how the flow of words can enhance feelings.

5. **Growth as a Writer:**
Reflecting on previous poetry I've written, I see significant growth in my understanding of metaphor and imagery. Earlier works were more straightforward, while now I feel more comfortable exploring deeper themes and emotions. This experience has boosted my confidence and encouraged me to take more risks in my writing.