7th Grade Blues - The Chicago Poetry Center

7th Grade Blues

The 7th grade poets from West Park Academy were introduced to one of the oldest genres of American music, the Blues. After listening to several blues songs we discussed the content and the purpose of making sad songs. We also discussed the use of chorus in poetry. The students were asked to write their own blues poems with a repeated chorus. Enjoy the 7th grade Blues!

7th Grade

Boney Bones Tompkins by Jayda N.

I’m just a kid, I’m just a kid
I have to clean my room
I have to wash dishes
I’m just a kid, I’m just a kid
I have to walk to school
I have to take tests
I’m just a kid, I’m just a kid
I have to take out the trash
I too tired
I’m just a kid, I’m just a kid

Boney Killer Hopkins by Jessica C.

My happiness has left, My happiness has left
Walking my dog
And babysitting
My happiness has left, My happiness has left
Going to school
And doing chores
My happiness has left, My happiness has left

Jailhouse Bad Boy Hopkins by Maritza S.

I feel like I can fly, I feel like I can fly
I don’t like walking
I don’t like talking
I feel like I can fly, I feel like I can fly
I don’t like to fight
But life is hard and I gotta survive
I feel like I can fly, I feel like I can fly
I’ll give it all to stay alive
It seems I might just fly
I feel like I can fly, I feel like I can fly
Yes, I’m falling but finally
I feel something
I feel like I can fly, I feel like I can fly

Fat Hare King by Alexander C.

Mi perro esta muerto, mi perro esta muerto
Ir a la escuela
Despertarme temprano
Mi perro esta muerto, mi perro esta muerto
Dormirme temprano
Tengo que barnarme
Mi perro esta muerto, mi perro esta muerto

Old Mama Hopkins by Darielys O. C.

Pure blue skies, pure blue skies
Full of sorrow and strife
Removing purity from your wonderful light
Pure blue skies, pure blue skies
Your deep colors of Blue
Leaving all hope behind
Pure blue skies, pure blue skies

Big Fingers Hopkins by Teyvian C.

My dog is dead, my dog is dead
I can’t play with her
I can’t see her
My dog is dead, my dog is dead
I can’t hear her bark
Never again in my life
My dog is dead, my dog is dead
I can’t feed her
I can’t pour her fresh water
My dog is dead, my dog is dead