Villanelle Mania (8th grade)

Here is one first draft from the 8th graders and turned out quite well. I am very impressed with how Vanessa made use of the repetition in her poem, literally noises heard over and over again in the street.

Today the 8th graders began their villanelles, and next week we'll finish them up, so watch for more to be posted then. I know I can't wait.

###

Villanelle
Vanessa D.

Boom, boom, shooting in the street.
Different gang, different blocks.
Run, run, listening to running feet.

Guys play tough, but inside they’re sweet.
Life is hard, tough like rocks.
Boom, boom, shooting in the street.

Many people try, it’s a game, we kill-n-defeat.
A lot are so scared they shiver in their socks.
Run, run, listening to running feet.

Taking cars, happy when their mission’s complete.
When li’l kids die, families are in shock.
Boom, boom, shooting in the street.

So many aren’t dead but they die in the street.
We try and run but still end up on a block.
Boom, boom, shooting in the street.
Run, run, still listening to running feet.