Poets can see into the future

Things became futuristic for Twain 6th graders for their 8th week of poetry. As our residency came close to an end, I asked 6th graders the question, “What does your life look like in the future?” Students were unsure, but we discussed how they would be either working at a career, attending college, or traveling.

Together we read the poem, “When I Grow Up,” by Kenn Nesbitt. In his poem, Nesbitt imagines a future where he is rich, famous, talented, good looking, as well as being good at every sport. I’ll be a billionaire baseball player/a brilliant biologist/possibly a famous, forensics specialist. After reading, I asked students if they thought the poet would accomplish all of his goals. Some students thought he was being unrealistic, while others enjoyed his confidence. Nesbitt demonstrates that poets don’t have to be realistic and can imagine the impossible.

Inspired by Kenn Nesbitt, students wrote poems looking into their futures. What will their careers be? Who will they spend their time with? Where will they live? Read these poems to discover, where 6th graders see themselves in the future.

Mr. Barr 6th grade Group 1

When I Grow Up By Stephanie M.

When I grow up,
I’ll be tall and smart,
confident and full of heart.

I’ll be a mother,
who works tirelessly.
I’ll know many words.

I’ll be shy, but I’ll get through it.
I’ll be talented and brilliant.

When I grow up,
I’ll be someone everyone’s proud of.

What Will I Do by Jaden C.

I dream of going to space,
along with a medical degree,
where there are no bugs
where we are free.

I want to be an engineer
for Nike shoes,
to make shoes that are
the newest news.

Or an NBA pro,
winning MVPs in a row,
getting so much money,
buying honey for my honey.

My Future Self by Jezebeth M.

I want to be a dentist,
maybe even a vet.
I want to have at
least a few pets.

I want to have a
clear skin and
a great start.

I want to live in
a nice house
with me and my cats.

When I Grow Up by Lucas J.

I’ll be a baseball player
playing for the Cubs.
But before that I’ll
be famous in the minors.

I’ll be smart and get
good grades.
I’ll be athletic
to impress the ladies.

When I grow up,
I’ll be muscular and tall,
A pro baseball player
pitching the ball.

Mr. Barr 6th grade Group 2

The Future Me By Jesus O.

When I grow up I will be rich.
Eat, sleep, work, rich.

I’ll be famous across the world
with my billionaire business.

I’ll have a mansion in Miami
I’ll have over 30 cars,
all different types and brands.

I’ll be big and tall,
and smart enough
to know it all.

When I Grow Up By Emily C.

When I grow up
I will be a lawyer or nurse.

I’ll be working with patients,
or helping win a case.

I’ll be smart,
and help a lot of people.

In the future I will be
taking a risk,
but I’ll be trying my best.

When I Grow Up By Craig T.

When I grow up,
I’ll be an NBA player,
playing for the Bulls
or the Lakers.

Making NBA history
like no other,
being a bother
to all my defenders.

In the future I’ll be
a successful person.

Mr. Barr 6th grade Group 3

When I Grow Up By Izabella G.

When I grow up
I’ll be a vet.

When I grow up
I’ll have 5 cats and 2 dogs.

When I grow up
I’ll be rich.

When I grow up
I’ll live alone.

Grown Up By Miranda L.

When I grow up
I’ll be a makeup artist.

Doing makeup for celebrities.
Doing makeup for myself.

I’ll also be a nail tech,
doing nails for celebrities,
doing nails for myself.

When I grow up
I’ll be successful.

When I Grow Up By Catalina S.

When I grow up
I’ll be a boxer.

I’ll box all my opponents
and get rich and famous.

When I grow up
I’ll be a chef.

I’ll cook for many people
and make them happy.

Mr. Barr 6th grade Group 4

When I Grow Up By Alan F.

When I grow up
I’ll be a game developer.

Making games that
everyone will love.

I’ll be smart and
creative.

When I grow up
I’ll have a family
and a big house.

When I'm Older By Gabriella C.

When I’m older
I’ll be a nurse.

Helping people
get better.

I’ll be kind and
caring.

When I’m older
I’ll be happy and
successful.

My Future By Mya O.

When I grow up
I’ll be a fashion designer.

Making clothes for
celebrities and models.

I’ll be creative and
stylish.

When I grow up
I’ll travel the world.