This poem is nothing terribly special. It is a template of a simple 3 verse, 15 line poem with prompts on each line reading things like "I worry..." or "I wonder...". It is up to the students to complete each line.
As we work on this, I remind them of the importance of making precise and deliberate language choices for their work. As Sylvia Plath said, a poet must be an "expert packer of suitcases", and cannot afford to allow their lines to run on and on. Likewise, they need to use effective sensory language to help conjure images for their readers. This is not always the outcome in this exercise, of course, and I read far more "I touch my puppy's soft fur" lines than I wanted to (And, yes, I gagged a little each time). However, almost every child was able to come up with at least one line that was beautiful and vulnerable and honest. This will be a beautiful jumping off point for future writing exercises.
The lines below are just some of the masterful lines created in this lesson. Keep in mind that these are 10-year old poets and not yet members of the National Writers' Guild. Enjoy.
"I hear my dog's claws clicking on the floor"
"I cry when you cry"
"I say that I am stronger in my heart than I really am"
"I worry about people who can't fight for themselves"
"I see Lacy and Lulu fighting for a soft spot on my bed"
"I worry that my friendships will someday fade"
