How I have seen poetry as a gift
As mentioned in my last blog post, I remember getting "a gift" of poetry from my roommate when she let me read her poetry book. She did not have a specific poem in mind but she knew I would relate well to The Sun and her Flowers by Rupi Kaur. It truly meant a lot to me because the views and topics in the book really hit home for me. It made me feel special to know that she knew me so well.
Although I was grateful for the book that changed my mind about poetry, I never saw it as a gift until reading Awakening the Heart by Georgia Heard. On page 34 she mentions the idea of giving poetry as a gift. As soon as I read about a teacher giving a poem to a student who was having a hard time making friends I knew exactly what poem and who I would give that poem to.
Giving poetry as a gift
Poem to a younger audience
Below is attached the poem I sent to a middle schooler named Ashley. I have "babysat" Ashley every summer since she was in second grade. She has become more like family over the years ( even coming to family events) and I care for her a lot. She texted me a few days ago having issues with some mean girls in her grade. It is her first year of middle school, and she's having issues with some girls who have seemed to treat her poorly for a few years now. As a voluntary mentor, we have talked on the phone about true friends and maybe letting some toxic people go. As soon as I read this part in the book I couldn't believe I didn't think to send this to her sooner. This poem is called "the trick to letting go" by Taylor Swift. This fit the situation even better because we both have bonded over our love of Taylor for years now.
Poem to an adult audience
As I read this poem I realized it can be interrupted into a lot of different meanings. Just as I saw it relating to Ashley's age, I began to realize how much it would mean to a dear friend of mine, Megan. She is just starting the process of divorce for reasons beyond her control. Isn't it amazing how poetry can be so versatile ? I sent the poem to her as well to see if it relates to her as well. I hope this poem helps both of my friends going through such different things in their lives. It has helped me through situations much different than theirs before.
Ashley's Response:
Ashley's response was short and sweet but clearly made a connection not only to the poem but to me because she later called me. She told me all about her day at school and that she shared that poem with her mom that night. To me that shows that it really meant a lot to her.
Megan's response
Megan's first response was quoting a section from the poem that I know is a sweet memories of hers. She then said how relatable it was to her. She later called me to say that she has re-read that poem multiple times since I sent it to her.
How would I use this in a classroom?
Luckily one of my example already involves a child that is still in school so I would apply that same idea to a classroom. I think the best way to start this process is with song lyrics. Students can be really overwhelmed by even the word poetry, so to start off I would have students pick out song lyrics that they themselves enjoy. I would then have them do some kind of sharing to relate to their peers. Eventually, as the class reads more poetry either online or in books throughout class I would want students to think about someone in their personal lives who might connect to those words. The students could give this poem to someone very special to them and give it to them as a gift and later writing(or sharing in someway) about that experience.
So interesting! Same poem; two very different life contexts/situations. To me, this is the deep beauty of reading poetry: we make it mean what we need to have it mean. I look forward to reading the update on how Ashley and Megan respond.
I like that the poem you chose worked for two different women in two different situations and times in their life. I'm glad that you found such a versatile piece of writing to share with friends.
I love that you chose to share a poem with someone as a piece of advice. I believe poetry can be such a powerful tool, especially for those who are younger. I loved poetry when I was in middle school because I saw the connection it had with music. I hope this poem is helpful for your friend!
Megan, I love that you were able to give the same poem to two very different people. I have had this same realization this week, that poetry can relate to so many different people of so many different ages. I also really liked that you used song lyrics. This is probably the first type of poetry that students are really exposed to. I am glad that you were able to give the gift of poetry to two people this week, and I think this is a great thing to implement in your future classroom!! I hope to as well - I've just gotta expand my poetry knowledge first!
Megan, it is so awesome that you were able to give the same poem to two different people going through situations that are quite different from one another. It will be really interesting to hear their responses, especially since the poem fits both situations so perfectly. Thanks for the post!