What poetry means to me . . .

O-School students celebrated the last day of our residency this week. Together we ate delicious Dum Dum suckers, while each group created Ars Poetica poems, poems that describe the art of writing poetry. I asked each student to contribute two lines to the poem, expressing how they feel about poetry, comparing poetry to things they either like or dislike. Then students thought up interesting title ideas for their poems and voted on their favorites.
Below are the finished group poems. I included my favorite memory, the chalk artwork that students had created for teacher and staff appreciation week last month. I’m so proud of what the O-School students accomplished throughout our twenty-week residency. I was even gifted with a yellow O-School T-Shirt, which I will cherish. I hope everyone has a fantastic summer filled with adventures.

Group A (Middle School)

The Bittersweet Poem, A Poem of Poems Group A Collaborative

A poem tastes like strawberry crepes.
A poem sounds like expression.

Poems are like a puzzle; you struggle but eventually find a match.
A poem smells as bad as a fart.

A poem tastes like a mystery candy flavor, wondering what’s inside.
A poem sounds like crashing waves on the midnight glow of sand.

A poem feels as bad as a Devil’s toilet paper.
A poem sounds like Carole.

A poem smells as fresh as a bar of soap
A poem sounds like paper

A poem smells like sweet butterscotch
A poem smells as sweet as a flower.

A poem tastes like chicken.
A poem sounds like a scream like “We win!”

Group B (Middle School)

Once Upon A Poem Group B Collaborative

A poem sounds like a metal pipe hitting the ground.
A poem tastes like a chocolate eclair with whipped cream.

Poetry watches with no eyes.
Poetry calls to your mind.

A poem sounds like the crunch of tires on gravel.
A poem feels as rough as sandpaper.

A poem tastes as sweet as a piece of cotton candy.
A poem sounds like typing on a typewriter.

Poetry is a beautiful song,
It can be slow and meaningful, or quick and happy.

A poem smells as nice as a cut lawn.
A poem feels as fun as watching paint dry.

A poem is as good as chocolate.
A poem feels like a bath.