"“Wake up”, “Wake up” “Wake up”, “Wake up.:" Repetition Poems

““Wake up”, “Wake up” “Wake up”, “Wake up.:” Repetition Poems

We explored the powerful device of Repetition in Phil Kaye’s poem of the same name. Some poems in our workshop are ‘after’ Kaye’s work.

Lesson Note: “Repetition can make magic happen-repeat a word or a phrase enough times, and it breathes new life, fresh meaning. Or repetition can strip language until all that’s left are empty rhythms and sounds. Words are funny like that.”-New York Times critic Maya Phillips.

Homework

Back from school, home.
Home, thinking the hours of doing work is over
Home a place I could rest,
But there is homework.
I’m tired from work,
I’m tired from school
I’m tired, I sleep.
“Wake up”, “Wake up”
“Wake up”, “Wake up.
I tell myself,
I have to finish my homework.

repetition

I go home
I walk up the stairs
I put my backpack down
Then I wash my hands
I go to my room
I open my computer
I’m so happy to be home
I’ve waited forever to get home
And I am finally home

Repetition

I sit in my room waiting. I text many people, but I’m always waiting for him. I always accompany myself, but I check once in a while to see if he messaged me. It’s him. I tell him about my day, and he tells me about his. We’re the best of friends. He told me he will be there for me forever. But, now he’s gone. I guess this is the end of it all.