‘In the lilac field it started’: Experimental Forms of Poetry

Students made the old-school paper in-class pass time called a ‘Cootie Catcher,’ which is a form of origami used in children’s games. Parts of the catcher are labeled with words that serve as options for a player to choose from, and on the inside are eight flaps, each concealing a message. To create these poems, the students opened each flap and considered and then chose options to write on their page to make this poem.

Lesson Note: Games are fantastic for learning at any age but are particularly important for young learners. Research has shown that games are essential for healthy development in early childhood and beyond. -Cambridge University English Language Assessment, Article: ‘Why Games Are Important’. Psychology Today, 2023.

Ms. Wright, 7th Grade

Two Poems

by Eric C.

Golden

  1. Storm
  2. A seam of light briefly
  3. A moon knowing what it knows
  4. Vanishes the trees

Milkwhite

  1. Hour
  2. Vanishes the trees
  3. Joy
  4. Your hip in first light 

Blue-black Night

By Jiahui C.

In the Blue-black night,

I had a dream, a dream 

where I emerged from 

change. I didn’t want it

to end. The sadness in 

my face slowly creeped 

as the dream ended.

I wanted it to last for

days and days and days,

but in the end, I’ll always

see it as a dream where

I’ll never reach.

In the lilac field it started

to storm, after the Blue-black

storm, I see a seam of light,

maybe it was a sign, a sign

where I would reach my dream, 

but the sadness consumes me.

Maybe in another life I’ll 

get what I want, maybe in 

another life, I’ll get what 

I deserve.

Untitled

by Grant R.

Golden, wave, Hour, storm, a seam of life briefly, Of the moon knowing what it knows, Your hip in first light

Ms. Wright, 8th Grade

Lilac

A Poem with Origami

By: Brooklyn G.

Lilac

Sadness 

Dream you emerge from, changed

Days

And 

Days

And Days

Joy

Hour 

Rena L.

Vanishes the trees,

You emerge from, changed

Days and days and days,

Through the window, spring,

A seam of light, briefly,

Shatters into diamonds,

Of the moon knowing,

What it knows

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TESTIMONIALS

“Writing poetry makes me feel like I can see myself, like I can see my reflection, but not in a mirror, in the world. I write and I know I can be reflected.”
-Oscar S.

“Writing poetry makes me feel free.”
-Buenda D.

“Writing poetry is like your best friend.”
-Jessica M.