Although
this is hard and frustrating and intellectually exhausting
what you are doing now is foundational,
transferring mind to page –
thoughts to words –
a mess
wrestled for sharing.
Consider
this shape so seemingly firm and rigid
as flexible
and bend with the form
to make it fit your vision.
Connect you to us and
after each example that enlightens
examine
bringing a microscope to the mind and
invite the artist within
to speak
to add beauty
and insight
to this chore,
nonetheless,
consequently,
therefore.
Lines I love:
* transferring mind to page –
* invite the artist within
* nonetheless, / consequently, / therefore.
I’ve long believed we should teach the poetry and lyricism of essay writing, that to separate them into disparate genres robs the essay of art, the poetry of discourse. I hope you share this wonderful poem w/ your students.
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I hadn’t thought of it, but it might be a useful segway into our final unit. Thanks for the suggestion, Glenda! Oh, and, the cheque (or should I use the American, check) is in the mail 🙂
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I really appreciate the encouragement that runs through this poem. “bend with the form/ to make it fit your vision.” offers so much possibility and room for the writer in each of your students to emerge. I fully agree with Glenda and hope that you’ll share this poem with them. It’s from the heart and they’ll feel it.
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It is a chore, but it is the ultimate artistry – the power of writing as the vehicle for ideas. Some essays I’ve read are more beautiful than poems. Wrestling yes – and then the great craftsmanship of bending the form to fit the vision – so well-said. Love the artfulness of transitions here, too.
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I haven’t written any poems in a long time. You have inspired me to set a goal to work on some.
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I love how this intensive March writing allows for such reciprocity ❤️
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“invite the artist within/ to speak” I love this reflection on how you encourage your students to engage with the essay. I’ve spent all week encouraging mine & I kind of want to share this poem with them.
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It’s the hardest week. I’m sure you did this and more!
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