Repetition

Repetition is one way of guiding the reader’s focus. This week the 7th and 8th graders of Waters discussed the power of repetition to both highlight important things in a poem and also show the monotony of certain experiences. After watching “Repetition” by Phil Kaye, students reflected on a childhood memory where someone taught them something. Students then incorporated repetition into their poems, reflecting on learning various things, from cooking to playing a sport to practicing an instrument to learning how to draw.

Ms. Hernandez (7th Grade)

Drawing Is Subjective Ewan A.

Art is subjective

that’s what I’ve always been told

But is it really

If its so~ subjective

then how is art in museums so “good”

You need good~ art to get into art college

You need good~ art to get into art clubs

You need good~ art to impress your friends

but how can your art be just good if its subjective

No art is good or bad, most people know that

but then what do those people think qualifies as good art

is it just what they think because then they

can just say your art is bad and you just have to improve?

subjective

subjective

subjective

subjective

that’s what the always say

but that’s never true

Paddleboard Leila C.

Blue, Blue, Blue, Blue, as far as the

eye can see.

A gentle splashing of waves rocking

the board.

The water splashes on my knees

The sound of a splash

as I jump

splash

Abby jumps.

Splash

A dive

splash splash splash

climbing on the board with a

thump.

Rowing back to shore

Breakfast Routine Aiden A.

While I cook my breakfast

I always make, mix, flip, cook.

I do it with what I have and

my hands!

 

Crack, Crack, Crack

and it’s in the bowl

perfectly.

 

Mix, mix, mix, mix, mix

and it is a perfect egg

mixture in the

pan to scramble.

 

I take tortillas out and I

 

Cook, cook, cook, cook,

and. burn t all the

time just perfectly.

 

Flip, flip, flip, flip,

and I never burn

my hands.

 

For seconds I

would repeat.

 

I cook, cook, cook, cook then I flip, flip, flip, flip

till it s well cooked, and I never burn my hands.

 

Ms. Hernandez (8th Grade)

Soccer Keira W.

When I first started soccer I was nervous

The only thing on my mind was “Do good, do good, do good.”

But how do I do good if I don’t know what good is?

I’d never played soccer, or any teamwork sport before

 

Do good, do good, do good.

 

I’ve only ever thought about myself, how do

I become a team player? There was so many

negative thoughts going through my mind at the

start, I started to spiral.

 

Do good, do good, do good.

 

When I approached the field all of the nerves

went away when I saw my new friend. Her presence

brought me comfort, who cares if I don’t know

how to play. I’ll learn. My perspective changed to

I’ll learn, I’ll learn, I’ll learn.

Drums Rocky R.

I got my drums when I was five. I would

practice every night, my coordination increasing and

soon I knew the drums.

 

But soon being told to practice stopped meaning

anything

 

Practice

Practice

Practice

 

Those words became a buzz in my head

my passion lost, I would watch YouTube or

play video games instead.

 

Until I moved into an apartment. I practiced

at my Grandad’s because I had no choice and

my flame of passion slowly but surely rekindled

until it was a roaring fire

No Sabo Harlee A.

ever since I was little, people say

it explains everything about me

 

like not knowing Spanish means I

don’t care

like I refuse my culture

Like it’s a stain I can’t wash out.

Like my mouth forgot it’s homework

 

But I didn’t, I just learned it differently

 

I grew up translating tone, not grammar

I know the words now but they

roll off my tongue incorrectly.

 

I’m split down the middle

split like sunrise & dusk

sharing the same sky.

 

I learned I’m too Black when my

R’s roll wrong

 

I learned I’m too Hispanic when

my hair tells stories.

 

I learned my Spanish comes out

slow

 

I’m Black with Spanish stuck in

my throat, I’m Hispanic with English

bruising my tongue.

A Balanced Life Ronan H.

Wheels

Wheels turning down the sidewalk

The test that I had studied for a year.

Feeling the heat coming from the black leathered

seat.

My hands gripping tightly on the handle bars.

A force holding me up on a string.

Waiting for the tripwire to activate and take

liftoff.

“SNAP”

The wind crackles as I start to float.

Each gear turning

Turning

Turning

 

Black

The mechanical machine stutters as it stalls out.

My hands pull the bike up as I feel a burn

in my knee.

And then I’m back on the bars

 

My hands gripping tightly on the handle bars.

A force holding me up on a string.

Waiting for the tripwire to activate and

take liftoff.

“SNAP”

 

The pedals sink into my shoes.

I steer controlled

calm under the wind.

Me and the machine merge in symphony

The wind comes under the wheel

I’m flying.