Two Poems by William Carlos Williams

Here are the two poems read in class on Wednesday, on which you should model your free verse poems.

The Red Wheelbarrow

so much depends 

upon

a red wheel 

barrow

glazed with rain

water

beside the white

chickens

This is Just to Say

I have eaten

the plums

that were in 

the icebox

and which

you were probably

saving

for breakfast

forgive me

they were delicious

so sweet

and so cold

Poetry Out Loud

Write about your poem for Poetry Out Loud. Why did you initially choose this poem and how do you feel about it now that you are preparing for the classroom competition. What does this poem mean to you? What personal significance does it hold? Describe your connection with the poem.

Write two paragraphs in which you address your process in preparing for the competition and your personal connections to the poem, including what the poem means to you.

Optional: Write about your thoughts on the upcoming classroom competition - do you think you have a shot at winning or at least making it in the top ten? Why?

Post and comment by Friday, November 21.

Three Poems by Robert Frost

This week we are beginning a poetry unit. Monday we memorized Robert Frost's "Fire and Ice" and later in the week we will study his poems "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening" and "The Road Not Taken." Choose one of these three poems and discuss its theme, or meaning. Write two paragraphs: one paragraph should discuss in detail your interpretation of the meaning and the other should include why you chose this poem and how the meaning is important or relevant to your life - compare its theme to something you have experienced or thought about.

Use a quote from the poem in your response. Both "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening" and "The Road Not Taken" can be found on the Poetry Out Loud website, which is linked on this blog.

Be sure to write two complete, well-developed paragraphs and comment on a classmate's blog by Friday, November 7.