Poetry Out Loud: My Poem

I'll be reciting the poem "The Obligation to be Happy" by Linda Pastan. I have to say that the title of the poem stuck out to me, so therefore I had to see it more. When clicking on that link that lead me to the page I was taken aback by the power the poem had behind it. The reality was so astonishing to see written in front of me. I knew from that very first moment I'd end up choosing this poem to recite.

I felt a connection when I read this poem and I still do to this day. There is a pressure to be happy, along with that the pressure to be beautiful and thin. Also, to be smart and dedicated to school work, while still keeping up with the latest gossip. So, I think this poem, really reaches out to me and practically everyone because this poem cant be altered to fit your own personally life. Whether your dealing with family issues, insecurities, or confusion. But when you think back on your own issues, think about why you have them. Its most likely because your trying to be happy? Or prefect?  Sound familiar, hence the poem's title. Everyday in our lives, we all face that one thing that will set us back and think this poem really portrays the pressures that everyday reality sets on you.

I feel relates to this poem  to me so much. I know that pressure to be happy and never sad, I live it everyday. Its the choice I make every morning. Will I come to school in morning sharing all the grieve and stress I suffer or will I put a smile on and pretend that I'm happy?  What do you do? Well, I smack that smile on my face everyday and this mask that's I have is tiring me out. I've now come to realize that I don't want to put on this charade anymore. I don't want to pretend to be something I'm not. If I'm sad I'll be sad. But things are easier said than done...

Urgent! Extra Credit Blog!

I looked back on the blog post, where I critiqued others, and thought of how I could incorporate those thoughts into to my own writing. I mentioned  that people didn't have a transitional statement, therefore the paper was somewhat bunched up. So, while doing the final draft I made an effort to really highlight the transitional statement. I think when people wrote them before, they wanted to make the paper flow, so the transitional statement had to flow, making it altogether hidden. I also talked about word choice, so I think that while I'm editing, the paper tonight, I will be making note of those words that are repeated, and to be frank plain boring, so I can liven them up. Lastly, I discussed my own improvements, which were to find my own writing style. To feel comfortable while handing in that paper, knowing that I laid fourth my best. I don't think I can really do this tonight but, its worth a try!

Poetry Out Loud

Part One: Website Cruising
1. As Children Know by Jimmy Santiago Baca
2. Ways Of Talking by Ha Jin
3. After Working Sixty Hours by Bob Hicock
4. Solitude by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
5. The Lost Land by Eavan Boland
6. The Obligation To Be Happy by Linda Pastan

Part Two: What do you think?
Out of the numerous poems that I've searched through I liked the poem "Solitude" by Ella Wheeler Wilcox because of the emotional connection. The easygoing feeling you get. The reality and truth to it. The sounds you hear while reading this poem are great and thought provoking. I love the simplicity of the poem and happy feeling this poems surrounds in you.

"As Children Know" by Jimmy Santiago Baca was the one poem I didn't like as much as others. The emotional connection wasn't there. I wasn't a bad poem but, I didn't speak to me in the way a poem should.

"Ways of Talking" by Ha Jin is the one poem that I'd like to study further. It isn't the poem that  I'd choose to read but, It is the one out of all my choices that really calls for you to really think and for you to relate your own life to land, tongue, or even a letter.

"The Obligation To Be Happy" by Linda Pastan is the one I personally connected with. I touched me in a way no other poem had. What is happiness? Why do you have to be? Is it all its cracked up to be? To me happiness is another emotion like sadness, jealousy, or anger but, for some reason it tops them all. I think another reason this poem connects with me is because I'm have similar thought with the author. While reading Linda Pastan's other poems I've really understood her depiction of life and daily concepts.

Part Three: Scoring Criteria
The two criteria that I feel will be easiest for me are physical presence and voice articulation. Physical Presence requires confidence in your work, showing that through how relaxed and positive you are. In my poem, it calls for a lot of clarity through reading it aloud. This means that I need to emphasize words to really pin-point the emotion I'm trying to create.

Level of Difficulty and Evidence of Understanding are the main two criteria I'm might have problems with. The poem I chose isn't a hard or complicated, quite short in fact. It has no hard words or an abstract theme. Evidence of Understanding is going to be my toughest issue because the true meaning of my poem is so far above me, it reaches into different levels of life and thinking. I'm just hoping that by the time the contest rolls around I would have had a good handle on the concept.

Part Four: Videos
"Frederick Douglas" recited by Shawntay A. Henery was the most outstanding performance I saw. Her presence was phenomenal. The tone of voice emphasized the importance of the the idea she was betraying. The other one that I watched was "Writ on the Steps of Puerto Rican Harlem" recited by Gregory Corso. His intensity was matchable. He made this poem fun to listen to. The exaggeration in his voice emphasized and hit the mark showing us that he understood the meaning of this poem.

Part Five: Summary
So from all this study and memorizing, reading, debating, and searching for that poem that really defines me I've come to the idea that, that is what poetry is about study, fighting with yourself, and finding what tells what is known to you. I've always like poetry  but, this whole experience has given me a wider range of poems to actually look at and into deeper. I'm pretty confident about the competition because I feel confident in my poem. It may be lacking difficulty but, I think the concept of it will cross cancel. I've chosen the poem "The Obligation to be Happy" by Linda Pastan,. I plan on visiting the Poetry Out loud Website numerous times in the next few weeks to get more information and watch more people preform. Overall, I'm enjoying this class activity more than any other before.

Something Interesting

When we first started our unit on poetry I was excited because, oddly enough I enjoy poetry. But, when it was reviled to me that there was so much more than the "feeling" you get or "emotional meaning" that connects with you but, the literal interpretation; the Tone, Word, Imagery, Style, and Theme (sound familiar?) I got weak in the knees. So, when we read the "Knife" it was easy to apply the "TWIST method" because it wasn't a poem. But, as I read the "Lobsters", I dreaded not knowing why the author even chose lobsters or what the connotation of "mud red" really meant. Discussing it as a group enlighten my understanding for the poem, then again bringing more questions... Who or what are the lobsters symbolizing? Because, in literature nothing is ever random;)

My thoughts on the poem, "Lobsters" are without end. I could ramble on and on and on and on about what I think but, to ease the pain of the computers glow on your eyes I will finally get to the point. I think the message that the author was attempting (and succeeding) to convey that we can get wrapped up in everyday life, the routine, putting other before yourself, the things that need to be done, without meeting your own needs- your dreams! As I'm sure that many of you (and myself) know that the author was comparing the lobsters to humans, but what if he wasn't? A lot of us English gurus have dedicated our whole understanding of "Lobsters" for humans, so I repeat, is this poem really about humans wayward ways? Or could the author just have been walking through a super market, truly called the Super Duper seeing lobsters and fantasizing about eating them? Could the description of colors really just be his imagination (or hunger) getting the best of him? I guess we'll never really know but, I'll leave you with a few question, in addition to the many other questions you have, to ponder about lobster.

Five Part Paragraph Critique

I thought that writing was something easy. The one thing that was simple and came naturally to me. But after weeks of writing drafts and drafts of my 5 part paragraph on theme, following the strict guidelines,and hearing my classmates reading out loud, I changed my outlook on writing. Not that I don't like it anymore or that its hard, but I think I just given writing a new respect.

A major recurrence I noticed between all the theme paragraphs is a lack in a transitional statement. This bothered me (and I'm sure it bothered you, too) because the whole paragraph felt "mashed" together. It took away from the paragraph and I didn't know when the author transitioned into another point. Also, the poor word choice. I really felt excited to get out my thesaurus and liven up my paragraph, excepting my classmates to do the same. But, sadly, it wasn't up to my expectations.

The one issue, I believe I could change when writing an essay is finding a distinctive writing style. While listening to other read their essays I heard their voices shining through. The way the paper flows, is crucial to comprehending the idea behind what the author is saying. I think that diction and tone play a huge role when writing. So, from my recently gained knowledge on those topics I feel I can grow and develop in my writing, so next time my essay will render with my personality.

A Lovely Bike Ride

So get out all my antagonism and affliction, bottled up within me, I go on the occasional bike ride. But, there were many precaution I had to take. To begin with, the horrendous helmet. Should I risk it? Hat hair could be a godawful decision, so put the helmet aside. Ensconce my rear end on the seat, pushed off the wet slick ground and took off. With the wind huffing and puffing in my face, it caused me to askance my eyes.
The slight rain drops were dancing in the atmosphere ever so lightly hitting my face. I still pedaled faster and faster soaring down the street, realizing that I'd have to eventually come back up the hellish and inhumane hill, but that didn't matter. I allowed my free spitired body pilot the way. Off to the trails!

I was flying down the aqueous pavement letting nature speak to me. Heal me in ways that cough syrup could not. Not only rejuvenating me physically but, mentally. I arrived, at the trail, seeking to find renewal in nature. I rode into the pathway entrance a strode into the civilized wilderness. The trees were so dark and tenebrous, touching the heavens. Birds caroling goodnight to one another. I kept riding searching for contest to my questions but today, I had not gotten any answers to my vexing inquiry but, I will someday. To end on a positive note, I had a lovely bike ride.

Extra Credit: Writing About Writing

While we were all writing that vigorous essay on theme, from To Kill a Mockingbird, I was stumbled across a poem I wrote in 8th grade.

It was started one cold and dreary Sunday night; Adora was sitting by the fireside, plowing through piles of papers hoping to find that draft on theme, from the book To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. As she sorted through the mountains of paper, a picture of a flaming heart caught her eye. She brought it close and found  a poem attached. The poem was brilliant, it brought back memories Adora will never forget.

In eighth grade, our block class was studying Edgar Allen Poe. The assignment was to create a piece of art, then write about it. I drew a heart on fire.I chose to express the picture in a poem. The poem "Twisted Love" was one of the most beautiful writing pieces I've ever proceduced in my writing career so far. The sense you got after reading it was mind blowing. The words were so meaningful and moving. I don't know how I wrote about love in such a powerful way, since I've never experience that kind of love before. This poem brought back so many thoughts. The issues I was going through in eighth grade, which now seem so small and petty. It showed me what passion I once had while writing this. I think now about why I'm not getting that feeling anymore when I write, why I'm not happy nor proud of what I do. What happened? This poem is helping me become that writer I was proud of, the writer where I care about what I’m writing about. Even though, I didn't have a good foundation for writing, I was still touched by what I wrote; I had an instinct that it was good. Writing has always been my way of expressing myself, the way I get out my feeling, and opinions, and somewhat sort out my thoughts, even when writing a book report. I think finding this poem, will truly bring back the wonderful writer I once was, possibly bring back the Adora, I once was.

Wuthering Heights

Wuthering Heights By Emily Bronte
A very boring name. So of all the books I could pick, I chose this one. But to my surprise, this novel is a romantic novel, one with lust and drama, love and spiral. When I read a book I want a book I can image myself in and fully devote myself to. I want to read a book where the character is 100% different from me, but the background and idea is realistic enough so I can become them, and change my own perspective and to be honest get away from all the crap I experience everyday.

The book Wutherung Heights, is the most confusing book an English speaking person could ever read. The language and dialogue is completely different than what is spoken now, in the 21st century. The activities and daily life, I find odd and unusual. But, I can't make a judgement of the book, yet, because I don't even know what its about!!! I'm at the part where your inductive reasoning* comes in and I, you think just maybe something is gonna finally happen.

Wuthering heights reminds a lot of the book, The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks.
These novels both had the same idea, forbidden love. In the beginning, the love is fun, new, and exciting then reality sets in and you factor in family, friends, and of course you own ambitions. Then, the love isn't fun anymore. It be comes dangerous and possibly deadly.

In the book, I'll be concentrating on the characters and there erratic behavior. All the character, this far in the book, are rude and cold. They are all morning for the past, and wishing and hoping they can change what was long ago, which sadly can't happen. For my creative project I'll be filming a video and writing a poem about the mysterious of love. What can I say, I'm a hopeless romantic!

* You'll understand, if your in geometry!

Extending Theme

Not to sound cheesy or lame but, To Kill a Mockingbird was different to me, compared to any other novel, I've read. This is the first book that I've really looked at and studied. The first book where it’s meant more than the rest. The book that transcends to have a greater meaning. It certainly wasn't my favorite book but, a book I will never forget. It will be the novel, that the meaning I will carry with me forever, if I don't forget by the end of the year!

To begin with, the book brought me back to the "good ol' days". The time when ice sandwiches from the ice cream truck and playing in the sun was all day long. When, you and your brother were friends, who played Pokémon together and the occasional Barbie doll, instead of fighting for time in the bathroom. Was this Harper Lee's intention? To bring back memories of the "good ol' days"? While tying in important messages about race, gender and poverty? Why even right this book? I think without this book in my life, would I be different? Will anyone I know turn out different? I don't think so. If this book is just suppose to bring back a memory, that’s why I bought a camera.

Through this whole unit of To Kill a Mockingbird, The one character that doesn't quite make sense is Atticus. Even though he was the most interesting character of the book, what was Harper Lee's idea behind him being a "hands off" parent? I assume by the way the author portrayed his siblings they grew up wealthy and high-society of Maycomb. Then why is he not continuing that pattern? He could go along with many people of Maycomb and discriminate against the blacks, but he doesn't. Why does Atticus never remarry? Was this, yet again another hidden message Lee had? Atticus was the most different father figure I've ever read about, he is, to this date, one of my favorite though.

What you all been waiting for.... why did the story mean to me?
I was again another story about racism. It had a good plot, with twists and turns, but I will never forget it. Its simplicity and easygoing nature was what struck me. It was the first book I really looked at, with a different perspective. I don't know what this book means to me. But, all I know from what characters have experienced is that the process of being truthful with yourself and accepting you as well as your neighbor makes you grow.

My Boo Radley

I thought a lot about what something that was frigthening or scary (kinda like Boo Radley), that really shaped me into the spectacular person I am today. Then it occurred to me, why does if have to be creepy or terrifying? Does something or someone bad have to scar you to make you better? Because, the thought and whole concept of heaven, the beautiful and lovely place, and meeting your maker, is one of the many thoughts that I don't understand. But, of course blogging always helps!

For me, I have many things planned. I'll graduate top of my class, attend an Ivy league college, and become a world class surgeon. But, what would happen if it all went away, where would I go?
Heaven.
Its a complex idea to comprehend. To me the first and most simple idea of Heaven should be its location, right? Where exactly is Heaven? It could be in the sky, but could God be just metaphorically speaking? What's the first thing that happens when you get there? These are one of the many questions I have on Heaven, just like Scout had about Boo Radley. In comparison, Scout doesn't know what Boo Radley looks like or know the whole truth about the mysterious circumstances of his current living situation but, she's at the point, much like I am, where the whole idea doesn't make sense, yet. But, the anticipation is unbearable and the temptation is intolerable.

What is Heaven? When I think of Heaven, I picture streets painted gold, everyone levitating, and wearing white robes. But, then again I don't know. All Scout knew about Boo was based on what she told and heard, exactly like me. Pop culture, pictures, and allusions shaped my whole mindset of what heaven is and should be. I often wonder, if wondering to much and questioning the situation will make it better because I feel that hoping for golden streets will in the end, let me down.

The main difference between me and Scout's "Boo Radley" is that she met Boo Radley and Boo ended up completely different then excepted. She now knows what has been locked up in the house all those years. I don't have any clearer picture of what life after death will look like. He was a hero to her. He put is life in danger to save a little girl that taunted him and judged him. Could this be a good thing for me? Does this mean that instead of Heaven I could actually end up in Hell? I don't know what I should except anymore, but all I can do from my position (currently on earth) is question and dream about what's next to come.

People have their opinion of heaven, just like much of the town had on Boo. Many like me, think of Heaven beauty and perfection and a large majority believe in recantation. The idea of consistently living and returning as another being on earth is interesting. The many possibilities and ideas of afterlife give me hope, to make the best out of life because that's what I know, see, hear, feel, smell and taste. I haven't experienced it all nor will I ever, but in life I have faith that all will go well. Heaven, recantation, and all the other afterlives are unknown and will forever be a mind boggling and mystifying journey that all of us venture on. Truly, growing up and knowing that from here I will go somewhere afterwards and even if I don't, my life has already expanded and open options for me in ways indescribable.

The Definition of Blog

Definition of blog (n): a website that contains a personal journal with reflections and comments from the writer.

The whole idea of blogging is truly ironic. Why would someone, post a personal journal or diary on the Internet for anyone to see? Well, this blog will expand the definition of blog because this isn't a diary, its a site where I'll rant and rave about all the fun and exciting elements of English.

I love to write. 

There is no better way to express yourself. With writing, you can pour out your deepest thoughts, then look back on them, and reflect. The fact that writing is so universal, (even though it comes in numerous forms and languages) it has been used since the beginning of time, makes it all that much more interesting. Who created the act of writing? Why did they write and not speak? Those, along with many more are question to that come to mind, when I think of writing.

Reading, is one of those things that varies depending on mood. A book or magazine won't help you express yourself or give you an opportunity to look and think about how much you've grown. But, it does give you the chance to escape. Get away, from your worries and focus on the character conflicts. For me, reading helps you in many ways, but that doesn't always mean that I'll read. I'm told by parents, teachers, and those-really-weird-friends-we-all-have-that-for-some-odd-reason-the-like-to-read-and-use-a-wide-vocabulary-because-they-think-it-makes-them-look-smarter-but-it-doesn't that reading truly makes you smarter. All I can do it trust them on that one!

An English class has more meaning to it then the usual, reading, writing, and studying literature but, fundamentally the building of understanding people as well as speaking clearly, using a vivid and descriptive vocabulary. English is a four-year requirement for college students because English includes the basic structure of language arts, which is crucial for going to the next level of schooling, where you can then build on the already high level of English, to then expand and grow to pursue a career. I took Honors English because that was my attempt to one-up my classmates and have that advantage on them. To be the one that turns out successful and swimming in money because those goals, are goals that is are a nice picture to keep myself focused on me because as H. Jackson Brown Jr. said " If you're doing your best, you wont have any time to worry about failure."