POETRY DEDICATION Chawn Christian

This poem is dedicated to my mother,

Dear Mother,Even thought we don’t have the best relationship, there are still many things I must thank you for. And although we don’t have a good relationship I don’t want you to think I don’t appreciate those things. Although there is not much sentiment between us, I thought I might dig deep to create this project for you.

Sincerely, Chawn

Messy Room by Shel SilversteinWhosever room this is should be ashamed!His underwear is hanging on the lamp.His raincoat is there in the overstuffed chair,And the chair is becoming quite mucky and damp.His workbook is wedged in the window,His sweater's been thrown on the floor.His scarf and one ski are beneath the TV,And his pants have been carelessly hung on the door.His books are all jammed in the closet,His vest has been left in the hall.A lizard named Ed is asleep in his bed,And his smelly old sock has been stuck to the wall.Whosever room this is should be ashamed!Donald or Robert or Willie or--Huh? You say it's mine? Oh, dear,I knew it looked familiar!

Messy Room was written by Shel Silverstein, Published in 1981 . This poem uses a lot of imagery to describe the scene of a chaotic room or as you would say a room that looks like a “ Tornado went through it.” His imagery helps to visualize the degusting sights that he is viewing. “His underwear is hanging on the lamp. His raincoat is there in the overstuffed chair…” Here Silverstein finds the perfect words and images to describe clothes being out of place. Although a bit drastic, these line describe my room to a certain extent. Silverstein knew that this poem would relate to many. His hyperbole makes it more entertaining for the reader.

Silverstein uses an appalled tone while describing the images of the room. “Whosever room this is should be ashamed!” This represents how much we view the mistakes of others more than our own mistakes. We can very easily turn up our noses at other people. By Silverstein using this hypercritical tone, he shines light on how one can easily criticize although he knows he is not any better.

Rhyming appears to not be persistent in this poem and can be easily ignored considering that the meter runs along smoothly. But he was clever. Every odd line does not rhyme, while the evens lines do match. The rhyme scheme of the first twelve lines is ABCBDEFEGHIH, then the rhyme stops at the thirteenth line.

I don’t think I need to mention why I added this poem, but I thought this “ Messy Room” by Shel Silverstein is a nice humors poem based on a topic that you witness every day. Silverstone focused on capturing his audience with his images and focusing on the majority of people who have been hypercritical and who have a messy room. He manages to tackle two subjects, by only directly discussing one.

No!- Chawn Christian

Ma can I please go?It’s only a one night show.

I’ll be home real soon.I go out every once in the blue moon.For heaven’s sake you’ve made my bed time noon.

So can I please go and playWith Jonny, Ricky, Lu and Bobby Flay?I promise you I won’t fall preyTo that creepy guy you saw the other day.

So ma can I please goYa know I’ll be the best kid thereDo something wrong?I wouldn’t dare.

To come back and hear you yell?I may as well spend a life sentence in jail.I know you won’t post bail.

Cause here I belongCause I went alongWith the kids who were doing everything wrong

But Ma ya know that won’t be meYou’re trust I hold to a high degree

So please MaWon’t you let me freeThis here’s my final plea….

What’s that I hear?I can go?Oh never mindit was just a big fat…

NO!

This poem is just a bit of humor about true circumstances. It makes light of how often you and many other parents often say and have to say no to their children.I thought you might find it funny. in the second stanza I say, “ Once in the blue moon.” I added this in because it is a favorite saying of yours. I also added in a bit of hyperbole by saying, “For heaven’s sake you’ve made my bed time noon.” To show how drastic of resistants and constraints you sometimes show. When I say, “I promise you I won’t fall prey, To that creepy guy you saw the other day.” I am poking fun at the alertness you show towards everyone around. I am sure you notice, but if I am or we are going out you will often say, “ You better watch out for that man…” and sometimes I’ll respond in a, “ What… what are you talking about, I saw no such person” manner. I also mention how you know that I will be the best kid there, because I am very respectful to others. This leads to me saying, “Do something wrong? I wouldn’t dare. To come back and hear you yell?” I am poking fun at the fact that I know if you hear that I have done the slightest thing that may not be wrong, but you don’ like, I’ve just set my self up for what may as well be a life sentence. “I know you won’t post bail. Cause here I belong. Cause I went along. With the kids who were doing everything wrong.” I know you won’t show sympathy, and that is “Just what I get.” The end expresses how sometimes I have hope for a yes, but it’s a “ Yeah right” and a quick no.

The Road Not Taken by Robert FrostTwo roads diverged in a yellow wood,And sorry I could not travel bothAnd be one traveler, long I stoodAnd looked down one as far as I couldTo where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,And having perhaps the better claim,Because it was grassy and wanted wear;Though as for that the passing thereHad worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally layIn leaves no step had trodden black.Oh, I kept the first for another day!Yet knowing how way leads on to way,I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sighSomewhere ages and ages hence:Two roads diverged in a wood, and I-I took the one less traveled by,And that has made all the difference.

Robert Frost lived 1874–1963. “ Road not taken” was published in a group of poems called the “Mountain Interval” in 1920 .Robert Frost uses Iambic Pentameter to stress certain syllables of his poem to increase its meaning and flow. Iambic Pentameter is when a line can be broken in five parts containing two syllables each. Iambic Pentameter is a somewhat hard rule to follow that takes a bit of “Line studying” to make sure one strictly follows the rule as Frost has. His poem is broken into four stanzas. This was also strategically planed to increase the flow and meaning of is poem. The four stanzas contain five lines each follow an ABABA rhyme scheme.

This poem is often comprehended has two roads or paths of life that one must follow. “Though as for that the passing there ,Had worn them really about the same, and both that morning equally lay, In leaves no step had trodden black.” these lines hint that both roads are equally worn, but at the end he returns to the thought saying, “I took the one less traveled by,” convincing himself that road he chose was the better one. He will not be sure which was better, because as he describes he will probably not have a choice to go back and take the other road.

Frost describes this dilemma that many must face with the imagery of a fork in road. This sets him up for describing himself has a traveler in the journey of life. He does not directly say which road is better or worse, but it is a choice in life that one must take. “I doubted if I should ever come back. I shall be telling this with a sigh” the traveler knows that once he makes his decision he can not change it. One can grasp the idea that in this imagery Frost is saying, for better or for worse, once you choose to follow a certain path in life, you most likely will not have the opportunity to change it.

Society- Chawn Christian

You all ways told me don’t give into societyIt was always against your upmost piety

You always say I think you’re wrongAnd I always feel like I want to belong

But the truth is I’ve always understoodAnd I always knew it was for my own good

Although you really take it over the topAnd somethings I wish you just drop

It isn’t the over protectiveness that makes me madBecause I’ve never really wanted to follow the fad

So now I’ll say…

This poem’s about me and what I’ll becomeBecause of what you did when I was young.

This poem is about the things I have heard you say and will follow even though you think I hate them. This is me saying once again that you are incorrect and I do not think you are completely wrong for not letting be a “normal” kid. Even though we don’t have the best relationship I still appreciate some of the things you have done.

I don’t always want to “fit in”. If I wanted to fit in or follow the fad, I can tell you I wouldn’t be me. I am sure most teens think my behavior is a bit wacky. Yes you do really take it over the top to un-healthy levels, I have grown perfectly around this. So now that I am older and very sarcastic and you think I want to be a “ Punk rocker, messed up skate boarder” and I walk around calling everyone, “ Dude” I am still usually the best kid in the room 70% of the time.

In simplicity this poem describes how even though we don’t connect so greatly, you are still apart of the reason I am the person I am today for better or for worse, and hope to become the person I want to be. “You all ways told me don’t give into society It was always against your upmost piety”, I wrote these lines to express how you always tell me how the majority of society is sinful which is why I shouldn’t follow its ways. Now I can see that following the crowd will not do me any good.

Ode to the strong- Christian

Ode to the strong who never looked downYou never let yourself drown

Under the sea of the world’s societyYou never gave into the anxiety

From the sticks and stonesThat never broke your bonesOr crushed your souls

You never let them steal your faithNever overtaken by the wraithOf the never ending past

Your voice will never be glassed… again.

It is only until you are at the height of fright that one can ever be strongThat one can ever sing his songAnd not go alongWith popular choice

So here’s to forever strongNever to be affected by the massive throng.

I wrote “Ode to the strong “because I feel as though it resembles the person you want me to be. Some where I think the direction was lost, but none the less you made me see why being like everyone else is not something I want.

You can see that I wrote negative words, mostly “never,” to express a positive meaning. “Under the sea of the world’s society, You never gave into the anxiety” this is a more interesting way of putting, “ to the ways of the world, you never gave in” or “ You never broke under peer pressure.” These lines resemble the way you have raised me not to go along with everyone else.

I interrupt the flow of the poem by saying, “Your voice will never be glassed… again”And I continue to build from this line. It means although she will not always be strong, she will gain strength over time. Even thought she may make a mistake she will not continue making those mistakes.

“It is only until you are at the height of fright that one can ever be strong” I read a line similar to this one in a fable. Fear encourages strength. I know that the people that have looked down on you , teased you, harassed you have molded you into who you are today.

.I know why the caged bird sings by Maya AngelouA free bird leaps on the backOf the wind and floats downstream Till the current ends and dips his wing In the orange suns raysAnd dares to claim the sky.

But a BIRD that stalks down his narrow cageCan seldom see through his bars of rageHis wings are clipped and his feet are tiedSo he opens his throat to sing.

The caged bird sings with a fearful trillOf things unknown but longed for stillAnd his tune is heard on the distant hill forThe caged bird sings of freedom.

The free bird thinks of another breezeAnd the trade winds soft throughThe sighing treesAnd the fat worms waiting on a dawn-brightLawn and he names the sky his own.

But a caged BIRD stands on the grave of dreamsHis shadow shouts on a nightmare screamHis wings are clipped and his feet are tiedSo he opens his throat to sing.

The caged bird sings withA fearful trill of things unknownBut longed for still and hisTune is heard on the distant hillFor the caged bird sings of freedom.

Angelou’s use of what might be called indirect metaphors creates more meaning to the poem, because by doing this she found a connections between her life and the life of a Caged bird. The poem is also the connection of not just Angelou, but the minority races. The poem in simplicity is a metaphor consisting of two birds. One

birds is free and allowed to live life as it pleases while the other is trapped and restrained and not allowed to flourish. “But a bird that stalks down his narrow cage can seldom see through his bars of rage his wings are clipped and his feet are tied.” This imagery is her describing how she is unable to express her full potential. Her wings have been clipped, the people around her have taken away her rights and

freedom. “For the caged bird sings of freedom” this final line expresses how there is a plea, longing, and want of freedom and equality that the minority races pray for.

The first four stanzas are based in comparing a caged bird and a free bird. Each gets its own stanzas to describe it’s luxuries or struggles. By doing this Angelou allows you

to fully think of the differences and injustices taking place. The final two stanzas focus on how even though the caged bird is tortured he still has a voice to cry out.

I know why the cage bird sings was written in 1969. Angelou was experiencing racism first hand. She viewed how her friends were discriminated upon. This poem is a

reflection of her life and experiences with her differences in society. By writing this poem Angelou is singing, expressing the hope that her wishes will be delivered, and

addressing the problems she wishes will be no more.

Animals- ChristianYou know there’s nothing more I love than animals.You’ve always found it a bit strangeAnd wished that I acted a bit normalBut the truth is I’ll never changeAnything else just wouldn’t be formalFor a girl who knows what a pangolin is.

Birds, reptiles, mammals You’ll try them all on your dinner plate it’s the one thing that I hate

And I’ll tell straight“Animals are my love”Humans are fineBut they’re less kind

Animals are the way to go, but what about the world?You’ll just sit back while the pollutants grow

And I’ll never know why you don’t careSame interest we’ll never shareYou’ll send a prayerI’ll watch the hare

How about a new Recycling bin?I think we should really give it a spin.As long as it’s not made of animal skin.

This was meant to be another humors poem about how you and I have different views. “You know there’s nothing more I love than animals. You've always found it a bit strange” this describes how you have always thought that my love of animals is a little wacky, and so do other “normal” people. The second stanza is focusing on how although I love animals and do not eat them, you love them just the same when you are planning on eating them. People around me often joke about how they love animals… on their plates so I thought I would mention this.In the thirds stanza I say animals are my love; humans are fine, but they are less king. This reflects of how you often criticizes me about how I favor animals over humans In the fourth stanza I interrupt the animal theme then focus on the world because it is another topic you do not understand about me. “You’ll send a prayerI’ll watch the hare” this means that while you are reading your bible, I will be focusing on an animal encyclopedia.The final stanza is me adding in some serious humor about that recycling bin I’ve been suggesting.I know this poem will probably will make you, “ Shake your head” and that is why I added it.

.Does my… upset you?Does it come as a surpriseThat I dance like I've got diamonds At the meeting of my thighs?

Out of the huts of history's shameI riseUp from a past that's rooted in painI riseI'm a black ocean, leaping and wide,Welling and swelling I bear in the tide.Leaving behind nights of terror and fearI riseInto a daybreak that's wondrously clearI riseBringing the gifts that my ancestors gave,I am the dream and the hope of the slave.I riseI riseI rise.

You may write me down in historyWith your bitter, twisted lies,You may trod me in the very dirtBut still, like dust, I'll rise.

Does my sassiness upset you?Why are you beset with gloom?'Cause I walk like I've got oil wellsPumping in my living room.

Just like moons and like suns,With the certainty of tides,Just like hopes springing high,Still I'll rise.

Did you want to see me broken?Bowed head and lowered eyes?Shoulders falling down like teardrops.Weakened by my soulful cries.

Does my haughtiness offend you?Don't you take it awful hard'Cause I laugh like I've got gold minesDiggin' in my own back yard.

You may shoot me with your words,You may cut me with your eyes,You may kill me with your hatefulness,But still, like air, I'll rise.

Still I Rise by Maya Angelou

This is yet another poem by Angelou that shows her strength even though she has been put down many times. Still I rise was published in 1978.

She uses rhyme and repetitive phases in her poem to increase the meaning of her power and victory. She describes how her and her race have been oppressed, but still they manage to rise. Again in this poem she does not directly address the subject matter. "You may write me down in history with your bitter, twisted lies,” one can immediately infer that she may be referring to a person. As you read on she says, “Up from a past that's rooted in pain I rise” by now you can probably tell she is referring to race, this line describes how her people have a sad past, but one they will not let keep them down.

Her similes are key to this poem. They not only help to represent her oppression and victory they also work with the imagery. “Shoulders falling down like teardrops” and “‘Cause I laugh like I've got gold mines” are prime examples of how Angelou uses similes to show her emotions in an upright proud manner. These create pictures of low and sad images to rich and proud images. She creates a voice of confidence because she has risen. By saying still I rise, it creates an idea of the feature and how soon she and her people will no longer be oppressed.

Angelou uses questions to begin stanzas two, four, five and six. There is a reference to “You” and the reader is forced to follow along with the poem in order to figure out who “ You” is referring to. It is a very nice and tactical way to draw in the readers while tackling the opponent. The opponent or the “You” are those who have discriminated against her. She uses a proud and intimidating voice, that represents the strength of her and her people.

A Friend like an Oak tree.

I wonder how you stand so tall, dear oak tree

Everything around you seems so small

But it is not thy massive height

Or that I cannot hug you tight, with fingers clasp

Dear oak tree you don’t fade away like friends of the past

My fathers and forefathers have dwelled in your company

And although you are so vast

Never have you made me feel meager.

In your presences I am eager to learn your stories

But secrets of the past dwellers, you will never share

A true friend you are

Taking such good care of your friends

As you carry them in your arms,

And protect them for the scorch

A true friend indeed dear oak tree

Continue spreading such glee.

I wrote A Friend Like an Oak Tree because I think it resembles the kind of friend you want me to have. “Dear oak tree you don’t fade away like friends of the past” this is saying that friends are not usually there for the long hall, but a true friend is. “Never have you made me feel meager” as a true friend the oak tree never makes it’s friends feel less than. You always say, “ Don’t try to make someone feel less than you” so I thought this line resembled your saying.

“In your presences I am eager to learn your stories but secrets of the past dwellers, you will never share” this is saying true friends don’t gossip. You tell me, “ Don’t get a friend who is going to talk about you the moment you get up.” Secrets, a true friend will never share.

I combined your teachings about true friends, with an object that resemble strength and longevity. You will travel through life through thick and thin with a true friend. A true friend will be good, one that cares for and protects you. The long arms of an oak tree resemble how a friend will reach out there arms to help you. These are characteristics you have taught me.

Hector the Collector- Shel Silverstein Hector the CollectorCollected bits of string,Collected dolls with broken headsAnd rusty bells that would not ring. Bent-up nails and ice-cream sticks,Twists of wires, worn-out tires,

Paper bags and broken bricks.Old chipped vases, half shoelaces,Gatlin' guns that wouldn't shoot,Leaky boasts that wouldn't floatAnd stopped-up horns that wouldn't toot. Butter knives that had no handles,Copper keys that fit no locksRings that were too small for fingers,

Dried-up leaves and patched-up

socks.Worn-out belts that had no buckles,'Lectric trains that had no tracks,Airplane models, broken bottles,Three-legged chairs and cups with cracks.Hector the CollectorLoved these things with all his soul--Loved them more then shining diamonds,Loved them more then glistenin' gold.Hector called to all the people,"Come and share my treasure trunk!"And all the silly sightless people

Came and looked ... and called it junk.

Hector the Collector is a poem included in one of Shel Silverstein’s books, Where the side walk ends, published in 1974. This poem is meant to grasp the attention of young readers. Therefore Silverstein is forced to choose a subject and words that children will be intrigued by. He does this with absurdity and imagery.

Each line in Hector the Collector ends with a noun. Usually the noun is an object Hector has collected or it is in relation to the object Hector has collected. This means that in each line of the first three stanzas the readers learns of an item Hector is collecting. This encourages the reader to continue reading to find out what other wacky items Hector Collects.

Hectors rhyme is not consistent ,this encourages the reader to read faster, but also makes the poem’s flow less steady. Although it may not seem so at first there is a good connection with the uneasy flow to the theme. Without the constant rhyme the reader is more aware of how odd and different the objects are that Hector collects. Because the objects have little to do with each other a child or any other reader would find bouncing from bricks to shoelaces very strange. You can not get too comfortable reading the poem until the final stanza so the “wonder” decreases a bit just in time for the final climax, “Junk.”

Silverstein also creates imagery by describing what the objects could not do, “Gatlin' guns that wouldn't shoot, Leaky boasts that wouldn't float” you begin to think of these items and an instant thought of uselessness occurs. The absurdity increases. Silverstein makes you want to agree with the people who call it “Junk” by adding the in the negative words. It is tactical way to persuade the thoughts of his audience.

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