Creating Meaning with Words
Creating Sound
Using Form
Mrs. Barnhart's Poetry Page
"I Want to Write"
Margaret Walker
I want to write the songs of my people.
I want to hear them singing melodies in the dark.
I want to catch the last floating strains from their sob-torn
throats.
I want to frame their dreams into words; their souls into
notes.
I want to catch their sunshine laughter in a bowl;
fling dark hands to a darker sky
and fill them full of stars
then crush and mix such lights till they become
a mirrored pool of brilliance in the dawn.
This poetry unit is designed to give each student an introduction to poetry. It will help you understand various rhetorical devices that writers may use, help you understand why a poet may make those choices and the effects on the reader, help you recognize different forms of poetry, help you hear the sounds of poetry, and help make you more confident about writing and sharing your original poetry. The unit is designed online, so students can access the class notes at any time and complete the assignments, even if unable to attend class for the day. It also gives you access to additional resources if you are having problems or if you want to learn any aspect in more depth. After completing the unit, each student should be able to answer the following questions:
Why study poetry?
What make a poem a "poem"?
How do you write poetry?
How do you write about poetry?
