I've wanted to post about poetry month for the past three weeks, but I've been a bit too scatter-brained to make it happen.
As an English teacher, I understand that learning to read and interpret poetry helps a reader learn important skills relating to problem solving and inferencing, but I also know the right poem, at the right moment can have a deeper meaning.
In many ways, poetry is like that boot camp class Douglas teaches at my gym. (If you've taken the class you know what I mean) Most of the time it works out my body and I can appreciate it, but on a few days the only thing that keeps me sane is that one class. Poetry can do that. At the right moment, the right poem can mean so much.
I have volumes of poetry on my shelves at work and home. Some of my favorite poetry is in The Book of Psalms. While I can't say I have a favorite poem, I do have many that inspire me and give me strength. There are also poems that make me laugh and enjoy life.
"The true philosopher and the true poet are one, and a beauty, which is truth, and a truth, which is beauty, is the aim of both." 
~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
One poet that I love is Langston Hughes. His poetry is beautiful, and very heartfelt. His significance in the Harlem Renaissance is legendary, and his poetry gave voice to millions who needed to be heard.
In high school, I can remember reading "Mother to Son" and thinking that this was a beautiful poem. It wasn't 'till I'd lived a little, that the poem really held meaning for me.
Enjoy ...
Well, son, I'll tell you:
Life for me ain't been no crystal stair.
It's had tacks in it,
And splinters,
And boards torn up,
And places with no carpet on the floor—
Bare.
But all the time
I'se been a-climbin' on,
And reachin' landin's,
And turnin' corners,
And sometimes goin' in the dark
Where there ain't been no light.
So, boy, don't you turn back.
Don't you set down on the steps.
'Cause you finds it's kinder hard.
Don't you fall now—
For I'se still goin', honey,
I'se still climbin',
And life for me ain't been no crystal stair.
by Langston Hughes
I've wanted to post about poetry month for the past three weeks, but I've been a bit too scatter-brained to make it happen.
As an English teacher, I understand that learning to read and interpret poetry helps a reader learn important skills relating to problem solving and inferencing, but I also know the right poem, at the right moment can have a deeper meaning.
In many ways, poetry is like that boot camp class Douglas teaches at my gym. (If you've taken the class you know what I mean) Most of the time it works out my body and I can appreciate it, but on a few days the only thing that keeps me sane is that one class. Poetry can do that. At the right moment, the right poem can mean so much.
I have volumes of poetry on my shelves at work and home. Some of my favorite poetry is in The Book of Psalms. While I can't say I have a favorite poem, I do have many that inspire me and give me strength. There are also poems that make me laugh and enjoy life.
One poet that I love is Langston Hughes. His poetry is beautiful, and very heartfelt. His significance in the Harlem Renaissance is legendary, and his poetry gave voice to millions who needed to be heard.
In high school, I can remember reading "Mother to Son" and thinking that this was a beautiful poem. It wasn't 'till I'd lived a little, that the poem really held meaning for me.
Enjoy ...