I was really looking forward to getting back to LYHS this week and introducing my students to one of my favorite poets. Chicago’s very own Jose Olivarez. I really enjoy sharing work that students not only feel connected to, but that reflects their own experiences and upbringing. We read his piece “When I Walk Into Every Room I Yell Where the Mexicans At?” and then we broke down some of the meaning of the piece. Students made a quick list of identities that are important to them and then got to work.
For our after school program, (after everyone had their fill of pizza), we read Instructions On Listening To The Trees by Mahogany L. Browne. We talked briefly about what it means to be part of and build community, and how that happens in their school. After some reflection and brainstorm time, they got to work. I hope you enjoy this week’s pieces!
English Class- Identity Poems
Mexico
Dulce H.
Mexico hecho de mexicanos
de musica rica de rancheras
de cumbia de corridos hecho de
pozole de tacos de salsa
hecho de cultura y nobleza. Mexico
hecho de oro, de mamas regañonas
hecho de niños jugando en las
calle de trafico, de gente chismosa
Mexico echo de dias soleado de hermosura
Translation:
Mexico made of Mexicans
of rich music, rancheras,
of cumbia, of corridos, made of
pozole, tacos, salsa,
made of culture and nobility. Mexico
made of gold, of scolding mothers,
made of children playing in the
streets, of traffic, of gossipy people,
Mexico made of sunny days, of beauty
Chicago
David V
I’m from Chicago, where we say Chi-raq
or the raq instea of saying Chicago
The spot we like to show off is the
bean downtown. Chicago is a place
where drill rap was made. I’m
from Chicago where all the violence
takes place. I’m from Chicago where everyone
knows somebody that passed away to gun violence.
I’m from Chicago where there is gang and
art graffiti. I’m from Chicago, of course
I listen to Lil Durk, Kanye West and
King Von. I’m from Chicago
where it’s cold one day
then not.
I’m proud to be born
in the Windy City.
After School- What We Learn From Nature
Grow
Delilah M.
Every tree grows like how humans
grow, each leaf represents a
part of us.
Trees are always growing
We are always growing.
Our brain
Our age
Our height
Our hair
Each time we grow, but it
makes us into a better
person.
