4th Quarter Poem of Choice

Hey Guys & Gals!

Well, its time to prepare for your LAST poem of choice...woohoo! I know you all are pumped! :)

As you know, in addition to the assigned poem for the fourth quarter ("Mother to Son"), you must choose another poem that you would like to memorize and recite for our class. Please comment on this post with the title and author of the poem you have chosen. You must post this by Friday, April 27. The poem must be at least 10 lines long. No two students may choose the same poem; so be sure to check the comments to ensure you do not double up on a poem. It is first come, first serve! Also, I would prefer if you choose a poem that no one recited first or second quarter; it is more enjoyable to hear new material! There are thousands of exceptional poems from which to choose...find something that sparks your interest, makes you think, or relates to your life. When you have some sort of connection to a poem, it makes the memorization process more meaningful and easier!

Recitation Due Date: Thursday, May 10

Check out the websites below when searching for a poem. Also, remember: my red book of poetry is availble for you to peruse.

www.poets.org

www.poetryfoundation.org

http://www.dmturner.org/English/Poetry/sources.htm#Internet

“To memorize is to possess something, whether it be a sonnet or a succession of kings, by making it an almost physical part of you, a kind of invisible companion.”

Billy Collins, "On Slowing Down," commencement address at Choate Rosemary Hall, 2003.

“There, then, is the great use of poetry. It tells us about the world through our feelings. It sharpens our senses, makes us more keenly and fully aware of life, exercises our imagination, and stores up treasures in our memory…”

C. Day Lewis

If you would like to practice reciting with me just let me know, and we can schedule a time. Don't procrastinate! :) I'm looking forward to hearing you all present!

In Him,

Mrs. Burnett