Then, choose three of the questions below and answer them to reflect on the experience of writing your two poems. Write your answers in your notebook.

Question

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?
Now, consider the two poems you have read over the course of this portfolio. Imagine that you have the opportunity to have a conversation—poet to poet—with the student writer, Zakkiyah. What three questions would you ask Zakkiyah about her writing process? How do you think the answers to these questions might help you with your own writing?

Answer 1

Here are three reflections based on the experience of writing poetry:

1. Inspiration from Other Poems: The poem that inspired me the most was “The Peace of Wild Things” by Wendell Berry. The way Berry captures the tranquility and simplicity of nature resonated with me deeply. His use of vivid imagery and emotional depth reminded me of the power of using nature as a metaphor for inner peace. When writing my own poems, I tried to incorporate similar imagery to evoke emotions and create a vivid setting for the reader. This influence helped me realize the importance of connecting personal experiences with the natural world, which ultimately enriched my writing.

2. Planning Process Comparison: Planning a poem felt significantly different from planning a narrative or informational text. In poetry, I found that I could explore abstract ideas and emotions without the constraints of a structured plot. The planning process involved brainstorming imagery, themes, and emotions rather than outlining events. This freedom allowed for more creativity but came with the challenge of ensuring the poem still had a cohesive structure. I found it helpful to create visual maps of my ideas and jot down phrases that captured the essence of my intended message, which made it easier to see connections and develop my thoughts.

3. Overcoming Obstacles: One of the biggest obstacles I faced while writing my poems was self-doubt. I often questioned whether my thoughts were profound enough or if my style was unique. To overcome this challenge, I focused on writing freely without judging my work initially. I allowed myself to write drafts without the pressure of perfection, which enabled my creativity to flow more naturally. In the future, I plan to set aside specific time to write without self-criticism, which I believe will help me explore my voice more authentically.

These reflections have helped me grow as a writer and understand my process better. They highlight the importance of inspiration, the freedom of expression in poetry, and the necessity of overcoming internal barriers to creative expression.