Poetic Passion Project
Prior to our holiday break, I decided to ditch the traditional paper and pencil exam for a fun project. Students were given many choices in how they could demonstrate and apply reading and writing skills. For a little over a month, students dove deep into critical and creative thinking in an independent passion project. Below are two original poems written by Kate, and inspired by The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl and When Stars are Scattered.
Moving on for the Better
By Kate
Ever since lighting struck me
it also struck my life.
It changed.
From there I became a savant, a genius, in math
But little did I know I was drowning in loneliness
Numbers, online friends, and my alone time became my friends
Although, my grandma tells me that I’m lonely
I thought that deep down inside I had everything that I needed
It turns out that all I needed were friend
but I didn’t have what I needed.
I finally found my place.
Change is Good
By Kate
As I looked around the tents
Spread all around, my life
Stuttered as if I didn’t know its worth.
As I stared at the stars, I couldn’t help
But wonder what was really out there
Waiting for me.
Was the rumor true about my
Mother’s passing? Could I go to college in America and leave my friends behind?
But no, change is not good.
It is bad. I should stay here.
With Fatuma and my best friend.
My mother is alive and I know it.
Or should I change my perspective?
I know change will hurt, but I’ve realized here at the camp that change is good.
Do it for Fatuma, do it for my family,
do it for your friends.
do it for my brother,
but most of all do it for yourself.
Change is good.