Poems

While writing my reflective essay I kept coming back to the importance of creative writing in the classroom.  It is such a good way for all students to express some really important deep feeling and thoughts without feeling totally exposed and vulnerable.  Thinking back to the class when we read our Where I am From poems, I can remember lots of strong emotions in the room.  I think that was a day when our cohort really started to trust and open up to each other.  While I do not expect my students to have such a bonding experience with poetry, I hope I can keep creative writing in my class to at least promote play and exploration of self and the world at large. 

Here is my Where I am From poem one more time.

I am from a land of starry nights wearing a mask of silver clouds and dancing rain.

Alexandria R. Suchan

I am from ice cold sodas and otter pop stained clothes
I am from recycling before it was “green”
I am from hugs and kisses and glasses of water
I am from night time stories in bed

I am from flowers in braided hair and nail polished fingers
I am from bare foot stubbed toes on black lava streets
I am from piles of leaves and tree-houses
I am from jack frost mornings and frozen car windows

I am from “you’re not going anywhere young lady!”
I am from sneaking out front doors while parents sleep
I am from many perfect not close to perfection first kisses
I am from tears stains on my bunk-bed pillow cases

I am from respect, support, tough love, and sweet love
I am from a home that will always be a place I can call home
I am from a family that will cherish every memory we've shared together