Share+Your+Poetry!

**Please share your poem here and what it means to you.**
The poem that I have chosen to share is called "Mother to Son" by Langston Hughes. When I first read this poem, I thought that it reminded me of my mother, and my grandmothers. They always shared very important information about life with me. I guess this was because they didn't want me to make mistakes, and that they even had so much more experience than I did with everything I could ever think about. When I hear this poem, I can always imagine these talks with them. - O. Kimbrough

One of my favorite poems is "The Lady of Shalott" by Lord Alfred Tennyson. This poem flows beatifully with its set rhyme scheme. I also love the story it tells about the Lady of Shalott. She is trapped in this tower, sitting at a loom all day watching the people below. It is when she sees Sir Lancelot that her outlook on life changes. She knows she can no longer sit at her loom and watch life; she has to live it, even if that does mean she will die. I love reading this poem because of the emotions it evokes and the way it sounds when it is read aloud. //M. Lechner//

"Dulce et Decorum Est" by Wilfred Owen is a poem that shows vivid imagery about war. I do not remember the first time I read this poem, but it is one that has always stuck out in my mind. It shows a different perspective on war, not just the honorable, brave perspective. It shows how read and dangerous war is. Through the use of imagery, Owen paints a picture of tired, worn out soldiers racing for gas masks so that they can breathe. Both my grandfather and my father were in wars, and for me, I think it is important to see the reality of war. The life of a soldier is not full of glory, but soldiers must endure hard circumstances that break down their bodies and send them running for safety. //M. Lechner//

One of my favorite poems is "Easter Wings" by George Herbert. I love the message it sends and the imagery it creates. I have a very strong faith, so I am drawn to it's religious content. I am always moved by the story of the resurrection, no matter what form it is presented. Plus, I like the visual aspect of this poem. //M. Elliott//

I really like the poem "Dreams" by Langston Hughes. It sends the message that you should never give up on your dreams in life. No matter what happens in your life. I think it is very important for students to understand that its important to work hard and strive to make their dreams come true. G. Lacey

My favorite poem since I was in high school is "Sick" by Shel Silverstein. I have always liked this poem. It's always a great poem to read to students and with students. They always seem to like it. G. Lacey

**Please provide a link to the poem.**
[] -O.Kimbrough

[] - //M. Lechner//

[] - //M. Lechner//

[] - G. Lacey

[] - G. Lacey

==Poetry seems to be a literary art that seems to be in decline, especially since the early American Romantics. Why do you think it is important for students, educators, and parents to emphasize the need to read poetry today?==


 * Poetry can say so much with just a few lines. It is a way to put thoughts down on paper without having to write a compete essay with an introduction, support, and conclusion. It can be humorous and fun or sad and tearful. Poetry evokes emotions with a few short lines. I am not too creative with writing poetry, but I love reading it, especially when I do not want to read a long book. I think that when students learn the elements of poetry and what it can offer them, they will be more willing to participate in reading and writing poetry. My cooperating teacher actually has a book called //Hip Hop Poetry and the Classics// by Alan Lawrence Sitomer and Michael Cirelli. She teaches poetry by using both classic poems and hip hop poems by authors the students know, and they really enjoy the unit. //M. Lechner//
 * I think it is important for people to read poetry, because poetry has a way of evoking thoughts and feelings that prose often does not. But as with anything we read, it is only going to be enjoyable if we are interested in what is being said. Therefore, I think it is important for teachers and parents to promote a sampling of poetry (as well as other forms of literature) and provide access to a wide variety. M. Elliott
 * I think poetry is important because it can really say alot about a person. Many poets share their thoughts and feelings through poetry. Poetry in the classroom can help students relate to problems in life and help them with whatever they are going through. Poetry is also great to gain meaning. A person can really express how they are feeling with poetry. They don't even have to say very much and someone else that reads it can read it and know their feelings. G. Lacey