Elegy - The Chicago Poetry Center

Elegy

As our time together comes to a close, we turned to the elegy to reflect on all that we’ve learned and experienced together. We shared memories of earlier sessions, students we miss who transferred or switched classes, and how much growth they’ve exhibited as poets. Together we read “How could I have known I would need to remember your laughter” by Lauren K. Alleyne and discussed how nostalgic yet sad the poem feels. Here are a few poems that say “Not goodbye, but see you later”. I am so grateful to have gotten to know them this school year!

D.T.

I am now 21 years old

I was nervous about starting the school year

It used to be hard for me to get ready for school

But now I can pick my clothes

Some of my favorite people are my Mom and Dad

I remember poetry as laughing, performing, and joy

After this school year, I will remember how to write

Next school year I will be prepared

because I had a wonderful first group at Vaughn!

L.L.

This summer, I can’t wait to watch Telenovelas

I was happy about starting the school year

Back then, I would describe myself as cute, kind, and happy

I was looking forward to new classes

Some of my favorite people were old teachers

It used to be hard for me write

But now I can