"Little Clown, My Heart" by Sandra Cisneros was the inspiration for the following poems. We first began, however, by brainstorming words that we associate with the heart. Many common associations came up: love, red, family, blood, etc. I then sprang a twist on them: they had to write a poem "(adjective noun), my heart..." but were not allowed to use the words we had brainstormed on the board. Oh, the groans! But fascinating and inventive poems resulted.
###
Mr. Stalla, Rm. 201, 8th grade
The Story Inside
Monica C.
My heart, predictable,
is a hurtful book,
it cares not who opens it,
but who looks through it.
The fool in my mind
takes leaps from far too high.
The risks there are
don’t matter.
Small and fragile like a baby,
hidden underneath the warm blanket,
not knowing the truths from the outside,
but knowing enough.
Daring Corazón
Carina A.
My heart,
filled with emotions,
searching,
solving.
My daring, loving corazón,
playing laughing,
place of heartaches,
my heart
one in a million,
happy, laughing
me.
Emotion Machine
Kevin C.
emotion machine emotion machine
beating like a drum
not knowing hwat would happen next.
emotion machine emotion machine
gets bigger and bigger when I laugh
tickles my insides, then I smile.
emotion machine, emotion machine
sinking, sinking when sad.
Something
Ismael A.
my heart is strong and sometimes brave
a heart is red and is full of life
and scared and fronted some things
goes faster and faster
comes many sizes big or small
it is sealed on a protected shield
Tough
Raul G.
Fighter, my heart
never stays down
through the ups and downs
on a rollercoaster ride
always gets up.
It is an icebox
melted by her smile
never to be frozen again
never to be forgotten.
A believer of what’s true
a dreamer of what’s next
and a wisher of what hasn’t happened.
Even after death, it will never die.
My Heart, My Eyes
Jacqueline L.
My heart, it is my eyes,
they observe all that is around me,
they take me and I follow,
never can they be deceived or fooled.
Showing me all that I can’t,
they need no glasses,
they can’t see the sorrow.
My heart, it is my eyes,
so sharp and pointy,
it is my most prized possession,
I am so addicted,
they are needed,
’til the day that they go blind.
Ms. Catinella, Rm. 202, 8th grade
Wandering Heart
Oscar V.
My heart is lost on an open road
Straightening and curving
Stopping and going like
A passenger bus on a city street
Shining stars on a black sky
Twinkling and burning a magic glow
Music, My Heart
Joe F.
music, my heart
fills me with emotions
which I can’t control
fills me with joy
and new meanings
My Heart, Moving like a Maniac
Alberto M.
Vibrating, my heart
sounds like a phone on vibrate
watching a scary movie in theaters
playing a sport for a long time
moving up and down like
a person on a trampoline.
Storm
Alejandra S.
My heart is in the middle of a storm,
Is like it has longs that fill with water,
Pushing it to my eyes like a salty ocean,
Turning black-red like it’s bruised with
blood.
Cut in half like meat,
So dark, so lonely, so sad,
Hot water inside me burning me so much.
God help.
The Unique Heart
Maria L.
The unique heart
dives in the pond of fishes
inside a lonely forest.
It opens up like a rose in its
early days.
Pinches when it’s touched
but cries like a child for a toy.
My Heart like a Warrior
Eric C.
My heart like a warrior
staggering and limping
like a soldier coming
back from war
and looking forward to
that big home meal.
It doesn’t know when
to give up on it
and it’s hoping for that big
home meal from her.
What is My Heart?
Francisco M.
A pond full of cranberry
juice. A bag full of
roses. A home made out
of red bricks.
Mr. Balcazar, Rm. 203, 8th grade
Rainbow Fairy, My Heart
Rosalina A.
Rainbow fairy, my heart,
dancing around and making wishes
come true,
like a little kid never wanting
to grow up,
pink, purple, yellow, red, colorful like a clown,
loves to say “DUDE” like a surfer dude,
the center of attention.
Tip-toed like a dancer,
soars in the sky like a bird,
funky and fabulous,
full of joy and wonder,
the queen inside of me.
The Heart
Leonardo M.
The heart is the organ that we need,
hear it clearly, it’s the sound of the beat.
It’s red, it’s like heat,
without organs like this it’s the least,
with no heart there’s no love.
My Heart Is
Andrea S.
My heart is
a little box of emotion,
full of life and happiness,
jumping up and down and side to side,
a beautiful thing that makes me survive.
My heart is an afternoon at the beach,
sunset sand and water,
a rich chocolate full of caramel,
strong and hard.
My heart is
a rich red liquid
dripping from inside,
a fire getting stronger
and stronger,
it’s my life.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
The Villanelle a la 8th grade
Here are some more villanelles, and villanelles-in-progress, this time from the 8th graders.
I shared a second handout with them that included a villanelle by David Trinidad ("Chatty Cathy Villanelle"), and one I wrote called "Ways and Means." I wanted them to see as many examples as possible of different ways to approach this form, and different expressions that it can take.
Some of the students didn't finish all the way, but I had to admit to them that it took me longer than two 40-minute sessions to write my own villanelle. It's a difficult form, but many students gave a strong go. I included the following poems either because they showed some mastery of the villanelle form, or because they did something inventive and interesting with what they were given, such as the fragments I've included that are so compelling to read that I want the students to finish them, if only so I can read the end! I was also excited to see how students incorporated new vocabulary that they picked up from the rhyming dictionaries.
###
Mr. Stalla, Rm. 201, 8th grade
Stay Up
Raul G.
Don’t let them keep you down.
Don’t give in to the struggle.
Watch them or they’ll let you down.
Let no one take your crown.
Keep them down, ’til their blood makes a puddle.
Don’t let them keep you down.
These are all your people; your town
loyal to you, oh so humble.
Watch them or they’ll let you down.
Without a care they make you frown.
I see potential, yet they all stumble.
Don’t let them keep you down.
I see talent that can astound
but under pressure, dreams crumble.
Watch them or they’ll let you down.
You hear the roaring of the crowd.
Wipe the blood off your knuckle.
Don’t let them keep you down.
Watch them or they’ll let you down.
Villanelle
Jessica G.
When you grow up, what will you be?
If you work hard, you could succeed.
Please do something that you will achieve.
Maybe an astronaut if you believe,
so go on and proceed.
When you grow up, what will you be?
So keep looking and you will receive.
So go out and look and do your deed.
Please do something that you will achieve.
Go out and retrieve.
Don’t worry, you won’t bleed.
When you grow up, what will you be?
Please do something that you will achieve.
Villanelle
Jacky L.
In a dream I see many things,
a big purple crocodile.
I lay my head on a pillow in the evenings.
I love the joy it brings,
an orange monkey with a smile.
In a dream I see many things.
Waking up would be death-defying.
I see a squirrel that’s very hostile.
I lay my head on a pillow in the evenings.
I watch a green lady cross the Nile.
In a dream I see many things.
An old man who’s very old-style.
I lay my head on a pillow in the evenings.
A cool-looking hippo by the name of Kyle.
In a dream I see many things.
I lay my head on a pillow in the evenings.
###
Ms. Catinella, Rm. 202, 8th grade
Arms Race
Samantha N.
All they hear is the bass.
They’re dressed to kill
because this is just the arms race.
These kids are the change of pace.
They’re not going to stand still.
All they hear is the bass.
They listen to the best, and say, “Rad, dollface.”
Their headphones are loud, and they thrill
because this is just the arms race.
They don’t care about the political race.
You won’t do it, but these kids will.
All they hear is the bass.
They’ll confront each other face to face.
These kids know how to chill
because this is just the arms race.
They’re not going to keep a straight face.
These just won’t be still.
All they hear is the bass
because this is just the arms race.
Villanelle
Alberto M.
Winter go away; you cause us misery and sadness.
Snow is powerful when they unite.
Trapped by snow, nowhere to go, it’s loneliness.
Kids throwing snowballs at cars.
Some people are afraid during a snowing night.
Winter go away, you cause us misery and sadness.
Men staying at bars.
Kids throwing snowballs with all their might.
Trapped by snow, nowhere to go, it’s loneliness.
The sky filled with stars,
kids inside of their homes drinking Sprite.
Winter go away, you cause us misery and sadness.
Traveling to countries is far.
Kids outside using their flashlight.
Trapped by snow, nowhere to go, it’s loneliness.
Others playing the guitar.
Miles of snow seen only by eyesight.
Winter go away, you cause us misery and sadness
trapped by snow, nowhere to go, it’s loneliness.
Life?!
Alejandra S.
I fill my lungs of air and shout!
The sun shining on my eyes.
I can see half of the world from here.
Ocean is when the world starts turning blue,
while inside a room a boy dies.
I fill my lungs of air and shout!
Does anyone have a clue?
Looking at all the flies
I feel a big cheer.
Feel like everything’s true.
Air lets the clothes dry,
I fill my lungs of air and shout!
All the people really grew
where a little rabbit lies.
Talk to animals, they can hear
even though they only chew
like winning a big prize.
I fill my lungs of air and shout!
I can see half of the world from here.
Some with Need
Angela B.
Someone needing help through rough times to help fight,
struggling, and putting the effort all in.
Keep trying, keep trying, don’t give up, try your hardest, even through the night.
Their life is erupting like dynamite
never knowing what to do, always clandestine.
Someone needing help through rough times to help fight.
Always trying to do everything right
hoping that no one will break in.
Keep trying, keep trying, don’t give up, try your hardest, even through the night.
Not being in the spotlight,
not wanting to live in sin.
Someone needing help through rough times to help fight.
Fighting through life like a dogfight,
wanting someone there through thick and thin.
Keep trying, keep trying, don’t give up, try your hardest, even through the night.
Waiting for life to ignite.
When something happens, saying, “Take it on the chin.”
Someone needing help through rough times to help fight.
Keep trying, keep trying, don’t give up, try your hardest, even through the night.
###
Mr. Balcazar, Rm. 203, 8th grade
Villanelle
Amairany L.
Get in the car
my dad said
as he came from the bar
I was sad
and just bowed my head, as I
got in the car
Villanelle
Andrea S.
It’s time for you to leave me alone.
The day is almost over.
I need to go home.
Your voice is driving me crazy.
She thinks it’s all about her,
leave me alone.
All you do is sit around and be lazy,
leave and move moreover.
I got to go home.
Leave and go with Daisy,
go eat a burger.
Leave me alone.
I want to turn eighty.
You need a haircut with the barber.
I need to go home.
Go and have fun with Healy,
leave me alone you burger.
Please leave me alone,
because I need to go home.
Villanelle
Anthony W.
Take the day into the night.
The fight was not today,
the storm will not turn gray unless you see the beam of light.
Give God thanks for all that’s light.
Because he shined me with his light, he spared me for the day.
Take the day into the night
because the storm was turning bright.
The storm has gone away.
The storm will not turn gray unless you see the beam of light.
The storm has come to play because the sky has not been bright.
We cannot fight the storm’s gray sight, we will dread with great pain.
Take the day into the night.
###
Ms. Fenton, Rm. 204, 8th grade
Dream
Karina S.
I feel like I am going to sink.
I want to go to sleep.
My sister is happy and gives a wink.
I am thirsty and I want a drink.
I saw someone who gives me the creeps.
I feel like I am going to sink.
I am working and the dog looks and me and blinks.
I see something that I want to keep.
My sister is happy and gives me a wink.
My brain hurts and I don’t want to think.
The car behind gives me a beep.
I feel like I am going to sink.
I feel so pink.
I am in Africa in a big Jeep.
My sister is happy and gives me a wink.
I am so scared I want to shrink.
I fell somewhere deep.
I feel like I am going to sink.
My sister is happy and gives me a wink.
Villanelle
Mary B.
You will get through, just be strong.
Try your best, it will be hard
but you will succeed, and be proud.
Follow the right, don’t do what’s wrong.
But remember, you don’t have a bodyguard.
You will get through, just be strong.
It may be cool, but don’t stand in the crowd.
If it’s too hard, make yourself a card
but you will succeed, and be proud.
It will take time, and it may be long.
Go to 600 N. Boulevard.
You will get through, just be strong.
Don’t feel bad that you might not belong.
Keep this well: your self-regard
but you will succeed and be strong.
Behave, succeed, be strong, before long
you will remember, but keep a memoir
but you will succeed, and be strong.
You will get through, just be strong.
Villanelle
Tania A.
The light in the dust is dead.
It grows as days go by.
The rainbow’s color is shed.
The dark comes, I go to bed.
The light goes in the green bay.
The light in the dust is dead.
It is bigger than my head.
It’s aging in the day.
The rainbow’s color is shed.
The cloud is scattered
and I’ll be in my way.
The light in the dust is dead.
I shared a second handout with them that included a villanelle by David Trinidad ("Chatty Cathy Villanelle"), and one I wrote called "Ways and Means." I wanted them to see as many examples as possible of different ways to approach this form, and different expressions that it can take.
Some of the students didn't finish all the way, but I had to admit to them that it took me longer than two 40-minute sessions to write my own villanelle. It's a difficult form, but many students gave a strong go. I included the following poems either because they showed some mastery of the villanelle form, or because they did something inventive and interesting with what they were given, such as the fragments I've included that are so compelling to read that I want the students to finish them, if only so I can read the end! I was also excited to see how students incorporated new vocabulary that they picked up from the rhyming dictionaries.
###
Mr. Stalla, Rm. 201, 8th grade
Stay Up
Raul G.
Don’t let them keep you down.
Don’t give in to the struggle.
Watch them or they’ll let you down.
Let no one take your crown.
Keep them down, ’til their blood makes a puddle.
Don’t let them keep you down.
These are all your people; your town
loyal to you, oh so humble.
Watch them or they’ll let you down.
Without a care they make you frown.
I see potential, yet they all stumble.
Don’t let them keep you down.
I see talent that can astound
but under pressure, dreams crumble.
Watch them or they’ll let you down.
You hear the roaring of the crowd.
Wipe the blood off your knuckle.
Don’t let them keep you down.
Watch them or they’ll let you down.
Villanelle
Jessica G.
When you grow up, what will you be?
If you work hard, you could succeed.
Please do something that you will achieve.
Maybe an astronaut if you believe,
so go on and proceed.
When you grow up, what will you be?
So keep looking and you will receive.
So go out and look and do your deed.
Please do something that you will achieve.
Go out and retrieve.
Don’t worry, you won’t bleed.
When you grow up, what will you be?
Please do something that you will achieve.
Villanelle
Jacky L.
In a dream I see many things,
a big purple crocodile.
I lay my head on a pillow in the evenings.
I love the joy it brings,
an orange monkey with a smile.
In a dream I see many things.
Waking up would be death-defying.
I see a squirrel that’s very hostile.
I lay my head on a pillow in the evenings.
I watch a green lady cross the Nile.
In a dream I see many things.
An old man who’s very old-style.
I lay my head on a pillow in the evenings.
A cool-looking hippo by the name of Kyle.
In a dream I see many things.
I lay my head on a pillow in the evenings.
###
Ms. Catinella, Rm. 202, 8th grade
Arms Race
Samantha N.
All they hear is the bass.
They’re dressed to kill
because this is just the arms race.
These kids are the change of pace.
They’re not going to stand still.
All they hear is the bass.
They listen to the best, and say, “Rad, dollface.”
Their headphones are loud, and they thrill
because this is just the arms race.
They don’t care about the political race.
You won’t do it, but these kids will.
All they hear is the bass.
They’ll confront each other face to face.
These kids know how to chill
because this is just the arms race.
They’re not going to keep a straight face.
These just won’t be still.
All they hear is the bass
because this is just the arms race.
Villanelle
Alberto M.
Winter go away; you cause us misery and sadness.
Snow is powerful when they unite.
Trapped by snow, nowhere to go, it’s loneliness.
Kids throwing snowballs at cars.
Some people are afraid during a snowing night.
Winter go away, you cause us misery and sadness.
Men staying at bars.
Kids throwing snowballs with all their might.
Trapped by snow, nowhere to go, it’s loneliness.
The sky filled with stars,
kids inside of their homes drinking Sprite.
Winter go away, you cause us misery and sadness.
Traveling to countries is far.
Kids outside using their flashlight.
Trapped by snow, nowhere to go, it’s loneliness.
Others playing the guitar.
Miles of snow seen only by eyesight.
Winter go away, you cause us misery and sadness
trapped by snow, nowhere to go, it’s loneliness.
Life?!
Alejandra S.
I fill my lungs of air and shout!
The sun shining on my eyes.
I can see half of the world from here.
Ocean is when the world starts turning blue,
while inside a room a boy dies.
I fill my lungs of air and shout!
Does anyone have a clue?
Looking at all the flies
I feel a big cheer.
Feel like everything’s true.
Air lets the clothes dry,
I fill my lungs of air and shout!
All the people really grew
where a little rabbit lies.
Talk to animals, they can hear
even though they only chew
like winning a big prize.
I fill my lungs of air and shout!
I can see half of the world from here.
Some with Need
Angela B.
Someone needing help through rough times to help fight,
struggling, and putting the effort all in.
Keep trying, keep trying, don’t give up, try your hardest, even through the night.
Their life is erupting like dynamite
never knowing what to do, always clandestine.
Someone needing help through rough times to help fight.
Always trying to do everything right
hoping that no one will break in.
Keep trying, keep trying, don’t give up, try your hardest, even through the night.
Not being in the spotlight,
not wanting to live in sin.
Someone needing help through rough times to help fight.
Fighting through life like a dogfight,
wanting someone there through thick and thin.
Keep trying, keep trying, don’t give up, try your hardest, even through the night.
Waiting for life to ignite.
When something happens, saying, “Take it on the chin.”
Someone needing help through rough times to help fight.
Keep trying, keep trying, don’t give up, try your hardest, even through the night.
###
Mr. Balcazar, Rm. 203, 8th grade
Villanelle
Amairany L.
Get in the car
my dad said
as he came from the bar
I was sad
and just bowed my head, as I
got in the car
Villanelle
Andrea S.
It’s time for you to leave me alone.
The day is almost over.
I need to go home.
Your voice is driving me crazy.
She thinks it’s all about her,
leave me alone.
All you do is sit around and be lazy,
leave and move moreover.
I got to go home.
Leave and go with Daisy,
go eat a burger.
Leave me alone.
I want to turn eighty.
You need a haircut with the barber.
I need to go home.
Go and have fun with Healy,
leave me alone you burger.
Please leave me alone,
because I need to go home.
Villanelle
Anthony W.
Take the day into the night.
The fight was not today,
the storm will not turn gray unless you see the beam of light.
Give God thanks for all that’s light.
Because he shined me with his light, he spared me for the day.
Take the day into the night
because the storm was turning bright.
The storm has gone away.
The storm will not turn gray unless you see the beam of light.
The storm has come to play because the sky has not been bright.
We cannot fight the storm’s gray sight, we will dread with great pain.
Take the day into the night.
###
Ms. Fenton, Rm. 204, 8th grade
Dream
Karina S.
I feel like I am going to sink.
I want to go to sleep.
My sister is happy and gives a wink.
I am thirsty and I want a drink.
I saw someone who gives me the creeps.
I feel like I am going to sink.
I am working and the dog looks and me and blinks.
I see something that I want to keep.
My sister is happy and gives me a wink.
My brain hurts and I don’t want to think.
The car behind gives me a beep.
I feel like I am going to sink.
I feel so pink.
I am in Africa in a big Jeep.
My sister is happy and gives me a wink.
I am so scared I want to shrink.
I fell somewhere deep.
I feel like I am going to sink.
My sister is happy and gives me a wink.
Villanelle
Mary B.
You will get through, just be strong.
Try your best, it will be hard
but you will succeed, and be proud.
Follow the right, don’t do what’s wrong.
But remember, you don’t have a bodyguard.
You will get through, just be strong.
It may be cool, but don’t stand in the crowd.
If it’s too hard, make yourself a card
but you will succeed, and be proud.
It will take time, and it may be long.
Go to 600 N. Boulevard.
You will get through, just be strong.
Don’t feel bad that you might not belong.
Keep this well: your self-regard
but you will succeed and be strong.
Behave, succeed, be strong, before long
you will remember, but keep a memoir
but you will succeed, and be strong.
You will get through, just be strong.
Villanelle
Tania A.
The light in the dust is dead.
It grows as days go by.
The rainbow’s color is shed.
The dark comes, I go to bed.
The light goes in the green bay.
The light in the dust is dead.
It is bigger than my head.
It’s aging in the day.
The rainbow’s color is shed.
The cloud is scattered
and I’ll be in my way.
The light in the dust is dead.
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