Being a Poet

Why do you have to study and write poetry?

" Poetry is what in a poem makes you laugh, cry, prickle, be silent, makes your toenails twinkle, makes you know that you want to do this or that or nothing, makes you know that you are alone in the unknown world, that your bliss and suffering are forever shared and forever all your own." Dylan Thomas

Poetry is all around you. It is the language of songs that interest you and that you try to imitate. Besides it's shorter to write than an essay and you can get through a poem and have a sense of accomplishment.

In the poetry unit you will write a collection of poems through which you will express your unique thoughts. You will draft, revise, edit and publish these poems. By doing this you will acquire writing strategies that can be used across the genres.

You will read a selection of poems to find one that is a reflection of yourself. You can copy a portion of the poem you choose and write why the poem you chose is a reflection of yourself. These poems are self-portrait poems.

The suggested readings are on a worksheet that will be given out. Pick out a poem and tell why it's just like you.