Yay, it’s National Poetry Month! That wonderful time of year where poetry loves gather and share original poems, favorite poems, anything poetry related.
This year I am going to use the month to work on poems modeled on other poems. This is a great exercise in the classroom, especially for students (or adults) who are intimidated by the idea of writing poetry. What you do is pick a model, or mentor poem, and then write your own version of the poem. I hope you’ll give it a try along with me.
Let’s start with an easy one, This Is Just To Say by William Carlos Williams. You can click the link to read the original poem.
Here’s my first draft of poem modeled in the same style.
This is Just to Say
I have taken
the letters
you threw
away
and which
you said
were full
of lies.
Forgive me
but there was
a love story
waiting to be told.
—Susan Taylor Brown
Your turn!
Looking for more poetry events in the Kidlitosphere? Check out Jama’s round-up of all the fun.
I’ve found that students love to do poems of forgiveness, like this one Susan. This is a sad one, but a good example too. I will love seeing all your ideas!
Thanks, Linda. I find this poem is an easy one to step into for nervous poets. I tried not to be sad but it was late and I was tired. 🙂
I have tried 2 of these poems already and both seem so sad to me when I read them back. Just the mind set I am in. Will try to get more positive. As you know I will see it through right until the end only 28 poems more to go.
Susan ~ This works beautifully.
Sometimes when I’m tired I am the most honest.
<3
Thank you, April. And you are so right, when we let our guard down, we can be amazing!
Yes, the apology poem…false, honest, sad, whatever, it works. Trying to write one to you and Zoey. We will see.
Happy day!! And Happy Poetry Month.
Thanks, Janet! I want to work on some Zoey poems this month too!
Love this!
Thank you, Jenn!
This is Just to say
It’s National Poetry Month
and I have yet
to start my blog.
I tag along
reading at the word feast,
devouring offerings
like a poetry piglet.
Forgive me
I am nourished
by my online
poetry friends.
So sweet
and
so warm.
Wonderful, Janet! Simply wonderful! Thanks for sharing!
Ah, thank you, Susan. It is a heartfelt apology, celebration poem rolled into one. Oink Oink!!!
Bravo!
This is Just to say
I feel empty inside
My heart is aching
You promised me
Now that trust is gone
I still love you
Though your spirit
is broken
A piece of me is too
Goodbye for now
Upon your return
I hope we can
Both find our peace
– Anne McKenna
We are all broken in one place or another, aren’t we? Well done.