extra credit

              Before this year began poetry was a distant idea, an ancient art form filled with hidden meanings and secret themes. Yet as the year has commenced I have come to observe poetry under a different light. It is not one specific THING, you can't pin it down and describe it, instead it is something abstract. Poetry is opposites, tangible and intangible, big and small, silent and loud, yet similar as well. Through the in depth characterizing of The Knife, Shoulders, and Lobsters I have gained a new respect and understanding of poetry. It presents life meanings and invisible morals. It also presents a challenge, unlike math and science there is no one solution instead there are many answers depending on your point of view.  

                     I like the fact that you can connect to a poem. The fact that poetry is all about you. You can see what you want to see. In English, this has been demonstrated by the fishbowl discussions, every person has a slightly different perspective and each person adds their own little twist. One aspect of the poem will really jump out at someone and that same thought will never cross another persons mind. I think the phrase, "2 heads are better than 1," sums up poetry nicely because you will always find something that someone hasn't seen.

                     Poetry has been the most important element we have learned about in English so far for two reasons. One, because it is fun and I believe that the best learning is done when a student is having fun; and two, because poetry is a way to freely write down any emotions or feelings that you have in a creative way. By creative I mean in a way that makes sense to you but doesn't have to make sense to others. It is away to let go, to teach without telling, and for me it is a way to achieve clarity of the mind. Writing down your feelings is like a huge downpour; you let out what you need to and then the grass is greener and the world comes alive again.