Billy Lane April 3, 2011 Classical Poem: Response: Emily Dickinson: “Heaven”—is what I cannot reach "Heaven"—is what I cannot reach! The Apple on the Tree— Provided it do hopeless—hang— That—"Heaven" is—to Me! The Color, on the Cruising Cloud— The interdicted Land— Behind the Hill—the House behind— There—Paradise—is found! Her teasing Purples—Afternoons— The credulous—decoy— Enamored—of the Conjuror— That spurned us—Yesterday!

Hell Is what I do not want. I do not want hell, Because I believe heaven is swell. I want to open the pearly gate, For it has always been my fate. From church to Sunday school The lord knew I was no fool. From communion to confession I was trying to gain accession. The fiery pit Is what my life cares to omit. For I do not want hell Because heaven seems so swell

 Modern Poem: Response: Langston Hughes: Mother to son Well, son, I'll tell you: Life for me ain't been no crystal stair. It's had tacks in it, And splinters, And boards torn up, And places with no carpet on the floor” Bare. But all the time I'se been a-climbin' on, And reachin' landin's, And turnin' corners, And sometimes goin' in the dark Where there ain't been no light. So, boy, don't you turn back. Don't you set down on the steps. 'Cause you finds it's kinder hard. Don't you fall now” For I'se still goin', honey, I'se still climbin', And life for me ain't been no crystal stair.

Father to Daughter: On graduation day, A father says to his daughter. This is the end of youth, It is finished and through. Into the real world you go. Life is not easy, it will Bring you up and put you down. Just work hard and be yourself And success will come your way. Remember me when you are happy Remember me when you are sad. But most of all, Remember me when you are lonely For on this graduation day I say, I love you.