Introduction to Poetry

This was our first meeting at TEAM Englewood for Hand-on-Stanzas this year and we read Billy Collins poem appropriately titled “Introduction to Poetry.” This poem was just a starter to get us familiar with our model, each other, and types of work we will be doing this year with Hands-on-Stanzas. We’re also excited to be working with 2 new teachers this year, Ms. Henley and Ms. Payne.

Since this was our “Introduction to Poetry,” we discussed our feelings about poetry, what we like (if we did like it), what we hated (if we don’t like poems) and how we can get at least a little something out of poems in general.

Our prompt was an exercise using descriptive language and imagery. Describe something to someone, but never say exactly what it is you are describing. Some took that literally, some took it meta and some just riffed and wrote their own thing. All of which are right, we’re hear to support one another in our art and understanding of it. Below are a few examples from some of the students.

Ms. Henley 9th Grade (6th Period)

When You Get The Big Picture by Darryl S.

It’s spontaneous almost
knocking you from your
feet sending you into
a sort of shock.
Thinking how come I didn’t
get it til now? You still feel
as if you’re missing something
feeling as insignificant as ever.
As if you were a low level
life form with no train
of thought until now
your mind races thinking
about things it’s never
thought before and that’s
when you realize you have
the big picture.

Untitled by Janautica B.

It is something
that no one wants
to experience, everyone
is hurt with fears
like rain drops, thoughts
begin to come. When
will I see him again.
Remarks will be made
your in a better place.
God needed an angel
you’re down in the ground with
a head stone that
says “In Loving Memory of”

My Tat by Jalan W.

My tattoo is going to have
my moms name with love around it
and a child.

9th Grade (7th Period)

Untitled by Desire T.

This is scary
black suit, red tie
white undershirt
real little (short)
Stiff, don’t move, until it is silen
takes your tongue
when you scream

Untitled by Monifah L.

I’m getting Calie Mae,
because that was by granny’s name
it’s gone be across my chest
it’s gone be in bubble letters
it’s gone be red and black
I’m going to the shop
and my momma done give her consent,
and it’s going to be big.

Funner Person by Devonte R.

This person is to funny
and this person play too much
and this person like to play ball.
This person like to work
and go to school everyday.

10th Grade

Strong by Nadia U.

Sweet, honest, loyalty is the key
to them. Shut down because the fear
of being hurt again. Screaming
I can’t let you in because
you’re gonna leave. On the inside
heart soft like a marshmallow.
On the outside, hard as a rock.
Strong, independent, hate
asking for stuff, but when it
comes to loving. She loves hard.