Poems

Shoulders

      The poem "Shoulders," by Shane Koyczan, tells a story about how we as humans "are connected to one another" and how it is in our hands to change the world. We have only one earth, one home and it is our responsibility to keep it clean and to make a change. The poem explains how the Greek god Atlas holds our earth on its shoulders but if we come together and connect like constellations, we can be the "change like rain that starts with a single drop." The theme of the poem is working together makes a bigger impact on the world rather than just one person. Also, in this poem there are many similes about how we do not know how to start the change." We lay in our beds like question marks, wondering what to do." What I like about this poem is that it has a lot of truth to it. Earth is our home and we should try to "change the impossible into somehow."


A Letter To Remind Myself Who I Am

The poem "A Letter to Remind Myself Who I Am," by Shane Koyczan, explains how sometimes we forget who we are and the power that we have. Everyday when we wake up, everything is waiting for us. " The snowflakes are waiting for our approval," and the stars that don't get noticed "are waiting to be seen by us." We have to take the chance and let our "dreams [take] flight." The poem describes how you forget to laugh when we go through tough times and how its ok to sometimes "fill your lungs with laughter." The theme of the poem is that we have the power to do anything, but sometimes we need a reminder of what we can do. Sometimes we need to shine and rise as "if the sun as taken a day off and we are the substitution."  This poem is some great metaphors about the strength that we have inside, but sometimes can not show." [The stars] heard you asking for strength, show them you haven't wasted it." What I like about this poem is that it  helps to "remind yourself of who you are" and what you can do everyday. 


So You Want to Be a Writer

The poem " So You Want to Be a Writer," by Charles Bukowski, explains to new writers how to write with passion and because that's what they want to do. If they're not trying and are not passionate then they "[shouldn't] do it." Bukowski does a great job of explaining how good writing shouldn't come from" sitting [ and] rewriting [words] again and again." Words should come" unasked out of your heart and your... mouth." He explains how not be "like the thousands of writers" and to be original. The theme of this poem is that you should be different in the way you write and  " [not] be dull and boring." The theme of this poem is that writing can be hard but if you find that you are not passionate about it, then " don't do it." Writing should come out of you "like a roar" and if you have to wait be patient. If that roar never comes than "do something else." In this poem there are great  metaphors about how to different in your writing and how not to put the "libraries of the world... to sleep." I like this poem because it does a good job of explaining how writing is difficult to be good at and you should keep trying. If you find that " [it] hasn't chosen you," then it was never meant for you. 

HomeWork Blues

       As I shuffled into the classroom, I knew that Mr. Van Camp would never believe me. I looked at my scuffed shoes and mumbled, " My homework is not done, Sir. I do have a good excuse though."

       " This is not the first time your homework has not been completed. Perhaps," Mr. Van Camp suggested, "it's time to speak with your parents."

       "Please, you have no idea what will happen to me if you phone my home," I moaned. It looked as if he was going to fall for my story.

      "Well, let's hear your excuse. It better be good."

     "Okay, it all started last night." I began, "I was just going to start my homework, but my mom told me to take out the trash. As I approached the garbage bin, I heard a shuffling sound behind me. I did't see what it was, but I got so scared and started running down the street."

      I began to shake and could see Mr.VanCamp's expression, turn into a scowl.

       "Why didn't you turn around and see who it was? It could have been one of your parents!" asked Mr. VanCamp.

    " But what if it wasn't and it was a guy trying to hurt me. You never know!"

     Mr.VanCamp sighed " Alright fine, continue."

     " Thank you." I could feel a bead of sweat start to run down the side of my forehead, but I kept going with my story. "I got tired at the end of the street and stopped. I looked behind me and saw that a boy wearing a Spider-Man costume was chasing me! I was too tired to run so just I stood there, starting at him."

   " This story is going to no where.  I strongly believe you are making this up," implied Mr.VC

     I started to argue, " No, I am not!"
   
     "Sorry Manreet, but I am not going to hear more of this nonsense. I am calling your parents."
 
     "Fine," I sighed "call them."
   

    
    


    

A Well Told Lie

                                                                             

"Lying in the hospital, he looks a bit like pictures seen of mummified Egyptian princes." This was the outcome of a character named Liam who went on a hiking trip with his girlfriend, Gabriella, in the short story "Bluffing," written by Gail Helgason. While on the hiking trip they encountered a grizzly bear and Liam foolishly ran away when seeing the grizzly and claims that” he [wanted] the bear to come after him instead of [her]." This is a lie. Liam is only concerned about himself.  Gabriella and Liam had talked about signing the lease for their house, but while  hiking, Liam reveals to Gabriella about  “ living in [ his climber friend’s] old van” and heading down south," over the winter. This breaks Gabriella's heart. Liam didn't even consult with her about the trip and seemed to forgotten completely about the lease. Also while they were hiking, Gabriella  tries to teach Liam about the horizon, but it is hard for her because he is not " willing to learn from people who might know more than he does." This proves that Liam is egotistic. Another fact about Liam is that he is a good lair and could have easily fooled Gabriella. They met some guys, while on their trip, who where also going to the lake where Liam and Gaberiella where. Liam told them that they found an elf carcass and " were turning back themselves." Liam is clearly misleading Gabriella and meant only to safe himself from the grizzly.

Worn Out

She is advanced in her years with skin like old parchment paper. She wears makeup to cover-up the wrinkles that show translucent, no matter how hard she tries. Always wearing a ring on a finger or a shimmering necklace because of her love for jewelry. She lives alone, never to interact with anyone. People look at her with contempt and scorn when she is walking down the street, but she is not those things at all. Friends who have known her personally over the years, have seen love, wisdom and generosity, but with the sorrow and pain she went through, those expressions have faded on her face. To relax herself and clear her mind of the past she smokes, as a get away from the pain. Lights a cigarette and watches the smoke dance and swirl into a foggy cloud of white. It reminds her of the days when she was free and alive. She would frolic in a meadow laughing with her siblings, singing with her friends and spent time with her family. She longs for those gleeful moments, yet knowing they wont come back.