POETRY ANALYSIS

Select a poetry book from the front of the room. You may not take a poem from the internet. Choose a poem that you can understand and enjoy. Write a brief analysis of that poem. You do NOT need to quote the whole poem, but offer a taste of it. Ensure that your posting offers the following information; (see the example posting below)

Seth Adrian Harris

- Poem Title
- Poet's name with basic info about them that helps clarify their work
- the title of the book and page number where this poem can be found
- an explanation of what the poem is about
- you opinion on its value, imagery or themes that you like
- add an image of the poet, or something related to the theme

DUE BY END OF CLASS WED. OCT. 28

"Back" 

by Seth Adrian Harris

Sacred Space: Urban Sprawl (pg 59)

Seth Adrian Harris is a Canadian poet of Jamaican descent, who currently lives in Toronto. The content of his work draws heavily upon his cultural background and he uses images and music to enhance his message. This poem was published in 2004, and makes references to the beginning of our life, conception, and the beginning of all life when he says;

we go back through the womb

up the fallopian tube

swim backwards from the egg

back before the big bang theory.

I am particularly intrigued by the lines;

Some say the eyes are the windows for the soul

while others say they are doors for the soul

now, I bend towards the latter more that the former

This reference caught my attention because windows suggests a one-way communication, but he is suggesting the metaphor of doors, which implies that communication, and in fact movement, can happen in both directions, to and from the soul. I like that concept because it reinforces my belief in my power to control my own fate.

In the poem he also refers to Eve and the slithering trickster who got her to eat the apple. He says;

since we've savoured the fruit

Eve and I have been working on

a kind of high bred hybrid

we call it the fruit of wisdom

and it's the mixture of knowledge

and experience

I enjoy Harris' imaginative use of imagery, like this poem in particular because of the creative video he developed to present it. 

THE RIGHT TO VOTE

So, you had a chance to cast a ballot on Oct. 15th, as part of the Student Vote program, and then the "adults" went ahead and made their selection of the new government on Oct.19th. Did they make a wiser choice than you or the same choice? Perhaps you feel they made the wrong choice.

If you are responsible enough to drive a vehicle capable of killing people, at the age of sixteen. If you are responsible enough to be employed serving food and handling cash at fourteen. Then why do you need to be eighteen in order to have your vote count?

Should Canada's voting age be lowered to sixteen? 
Explain your thinking on this matter.

Post to be complete by Thursday, Oct. 22.

ONE SENTENCE STORY

American Short Story writer, Amy Hempel, says that a single sentence is the core material when writing stories. She feels that the most revealing story she has ever written is;

Memoir

Just once in my life – 

oh, when have I ever wanted anything just once in my life

She challenges you to write a one sentence story 

and to share you story with the world on Twitter @

#1sentencestory 

DESCRIBING SETTING - "An Awakening"

As we continue to develop our writing skills, this weeks' task asks you to focus on describing SETTING. Inspired by Ontario author Tony Burgess, you are to write two BRIEF scenes which begin with some kind of "Awakening". PUT THEM IN THE SAME DOCUMENT.

Your first version will be written in a 3rd person narrative style. For example: "She opened her eyes to an impenetrable darkness that smelled of dampness and decay. With no recollection of how she ended up in this situation, the girl could not possibly prepare herself for the torment that was headed her way." As narrator, you know all, see all.

Then, rewrite the scene from a 1st person point of view. For example: "I opened my eyes to an impenetrable darkness that smelled of dampness and decay. I could not remember how I ended up in this situation and my stomach lurched as I imagined the variety of dangers that might await me." As the person in the scenario, you only now what your sense tell you, or what you remember.

The next step is to share your document with a classmate. You are to offer your peer some edits on their first draft and you will be given credit for doing so.

YOUR ADAPTABLE MIND

Yesterday, Mr MacPherson shared a video called "The Adaptable Mind" to trigger discussion about the traits you will need to be successful in the future. If you want to re-watch the video, the link is here.

https://vimeo.com/133190364


The narrator pointed out that for the majority of human history mankind has had an agricultural economy. Then, about 200 years ago, this changed to an industrial economy. Within your parents' lifetime mankind has moved to a knowledge economy, but the question is... What's next for you?

Your future will lie within a HUMAN ECONOMY. Machines are doing the labour and managing the information, but unlike what Hollywood films suggest, they cannot manage on their own. The five personality traits listed to the left are human characteristics that are essential in order to address the social, economic and environmental challenges that lie ahead.

YOUR BLOG RESPONSE

Write a brief self-analysis that includes examples to demonstrate which of these traits you have already developed and explain how you plan to continue your personal growth in the future.

To be completed by Sunday, October 11.