Poetry Power

Matthew’s Tanka Poem

thewritechoice — Sun, 16 Mar 2008 04:52:58 +0000

I can’t promise that this poem won’t make you hungry.

I want a sandwich.

To make a sandwich you need

lots of bananas;

peanut butter and jelly.

The best sandwich ever made!

Matthew K.

Poetry Contest Winner

thewritechoice — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 23:26:10 +0000

Our local library recently sponsored a poetry contest with the theme being “the pursuit of happiness.” I didn’t know it, but one of our students decided she wanted to give this a try and turned in a submission. Her mother let me know that she received a phone call informing her that Kaitlyn’s poem had come in second place! I am happy for Kaitlyn and want to congratulate her on her fine effort. Below is a copy of her winning poem.

Dreamin’ of Disney

By Kaitlyn M.

I want to go to Disneyland,

It’s a really fun park.

I love to go on the rides all day.

I adore it when it’s dark.

My favorite ride is Space Mountain,

And Ariel’s Grotto has a fountain.

Churros are my favorite treat.

They’re delicious, sugary and sweet.

To get there, I have to work really hard.

I have to clean up, the whole backyard.

Toys and bears fill my room.

Better make it tidy with a broom.

At night I dream of Disneyland,

In the morning we leave, just like I planned.

A Class Act

thewritechoice — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 04:35:36 +0000

Our last Poetry Power class took place on February 13, 2008 at 1 p.m. For this meeting, we were fortunate enough to be able to use a classroom at Grace Bible Fellowship where some other homeschoolers from our group meet with their co-op. This month, we learned about writing a monorhyme poem, but we won’t be posting any of these poems until next month when the students turn in their assignments. However, one of the mothers took some pictures during class which she shared with me, and I in turn, will share them with you.

I apologize that some of these pictures are so small. I’m somewhat technically challenged(at least that’s what my children tell me), and I haven’t figures out yet how to make these pictures larger. The last 3 pictures will enlarge if you click on them. Sorry I’m such a geek!

Clare’s Tanka Poem

thewritechoice — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 04:19:20 +0000

Droopy, wet flowers

hanging loosely on their stems

green shows all around

the flowers’ stems are purple

the leaves are brightish greenish.

by Clare B.

Cori’s Tanka Poem

thewritechoice — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 03:54:53 +0000

The angels all come

Jesus is snug in his bed

nothing for his head

with mother and father near

for the Christ child is born.

by Cori M.

Corey’s Tanka Poem

thewritechoice — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 03:27:40 +0000

A violent, dark storm.

The lightning strikes the ground hard.

Loud thunder shakes us.

The sky is really pitch black.

The rain makes really big floods.

by Corey B.

Isabella’s Tanka Poem

thewritechoice — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 03:23:07 +0000

The cats are fluffy

as they play and jump around.

They look so cuddly

as they lay and look and purr,

waiting, watching for their food.

by Isabella K.

What Is A Tanka?

thewritechoice — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 00:10:30 +0000

Tanka is a classic form of Japanese poetry related to the haiku.

It has 5 unrhymed lines of 5, 7, 5, 7, and 7 syllables.

Below are some tankas written by me, the teacher.

Morning approaches.

Dew blankets the fresh green grass

with watery webs.

The sun lifts her golden head

and radiates warmth to all.

Spider does her dance,

waving her soft silk banners.

This tiny creature,

spinning a web of wonder,

shows forth the glory of God.

In our next post, we will feature some original tankas written by our students.

Poetry Power Terse Verse

thewritechoice — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 00:23:40 +0000

What do you call a quizzing friend?

Study Buddy

Matthew K.

What do you call a pig in an earthquake?

Shaken Bacon

Paul C.

What do you call a circle of bones in your mouth?

Teeth Wreath

Clare B.

What makes a dark room bright?

Night Light

Jenna A.

What Is Terse Verse?

thewritechoice — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 00:10:54 +0000

Terse Verse is a very short form of poetry. It starts with an impressive sounding question or statement which is solved by a short rhyme.

examples:

What do you call a dog that likes to lick everyone?

smooch pooch

Boxing Ring

Fight Site

In the next post, we will have some original terse verse written by our students.