Simplicity with William Carlos Williams

His poem, "This is Just to Say" is a simple, 'found poem' format whereas the line breaks of the poem drives the poetry. A very basic poem broken up in three stanzas, Williams focuses on apologizing for eating the last plum in the refrigerator. A wonderful way to say, "I apologize" for inconveniencing you by the poet was very relatable to the students at Reed Elementary. We discussed food or drink items, family or friends have taken, or the affect of apologizing to someone for something done in the past. Students focused on things done to them or done by them in response to situations. This short form is a great form to replicate with younger or old. I found students that normally don't like to write, loved this poem as a way to express themselves in a different way. I found some of these poems, funny, endearing, and refreshing.

Untitled
Detric S.
(3rd Grade, Tomlinson)

I have eaten
all
the grapes
that were
in the grape bag.

and which you
were probably
saving for dinner.

Forgive me. They
were good
so sweet
and
so juicy.

Untitled
Edward C.
(3rd Grade, Tomlinson)

I have eaten
my sister donuts
and eaten my
Mom's nachos

and I have eaten
my Dad's pizza
and his root
beer pop

and do not
even leave a
root beer pop
on the table

and I told my sister
my Mom
and my Dad
that
it will not happen again

but do not
leave an
root beer pop
on the
table

Untitled
Ernest H.
(3rd Grade, Tomlinson)

I'm sorry
for
hitting you
it was
coming
as you
said
"sorry"

I tried
to stop but
I couldn't

a tear
fell from your
eye

I'm sorry
little brother
please
forgive me.

Untitled
Teressa J.
(8th Grade, Lapota)

She was sad
and angry, but
I spoke
to her.

She then went
off
I knew
it was my
fault cause
I spoke
first, knowing...
she was mad.

Later she came
back and apologized
and I
forgave.

Your Messy Room
Ranice G.
(8th Grade, Lapota)

I have seem
to lost my
white shirt
could you let

me search for
it in your
room please?

I know
your room was
just clean
I am so

sorry
I wish
I can help you
out so
my bad
I apologize

for the mess
I made
I hope this
dollar would help!!!!

This is What I have to Say
Malik K.
(5/6 Grade, Garland)

I have to
say
that I am
deeply sorry
for almost
breaking your
arm.

I am sorry
for
putting you
in the hospital.

I am sorry
for
breaking your
arm and putting
you
in the hospital.

They are making
you eat
choke sandwiches.

I feel
really bad
for you.

So I sent you
some good food.

I have
sent you
some salad with
tea
and tuna
and three apples.

I am
deeply sorry!

I'm Sorry Cynthia
Monae S.
(5/6 Grade, Garland)

I am
sorry
for eating the
last piece
of cheese cake.

I am
sorry
for getting you
up in
the middle of
the night.

I am sorry
for
making you
take me
to the hospital
because of my
asthma.

Forgive me
for everything.

I Apologize
Nicole W.
(5/6 Grade, Garland)

I have drunk
the juices
that were in
the refrigerator.

and which
you were saving
for work.

I apologize
the juices were
delicious
so good
and cold.

Can you forgive
me?
I"m sorry
for what
I did.

Forgive me
Mom.

Special Project: Walter Reed's Family Literacy Night

Under a bevy of activity and a very cold day, Walter Reed Magnut Cluster School's Family Literacy Night, kicked off on Thursday, January 24th. The night was filled with many activities for the community and the students to enjoy. The program started off with a very interactive "R U READY FOR SUCCESS" Game Show which focused on the behaviors that would be very positive for an employer to hire a person who contains successful traits of dependability, focus, and good work ethics to be hired and retained for employment. This skit was fun and relatable to adults and children alike. Other presentations in the night included tips from Ms. Johnson and Ms. Williams to parents about including great skills (reading to your child, and other literary tips to help them focus on details that will be required for the upcoming ISAT). As the Poet-In-Residence, I presented two poems, "A Big Little Girl in the City" and "Ode to Freedom". At the end of the presentations, all parents, community members and students were invited to come to break out tables. I worked the poetry corner, which basically had a station for anyone who wanted to write original poems. Some of the poems were written by parents, students, and very young readers and writers. There was not a 'theme' for the poetry corner. Rather, I would work one-on-one with writers. Several of my students from Ms. Tomlinson and Mr. Garland's class sat at my table to write poems by them selves and or their siblings. This was a very well attended event, with no seats left. I give kudos to the entire staff and Ms. Watson, the principal.

Enjoy the poems below!

My First Memory
by Anonymous
Let's take a stroll back into memory lane.
Either it's age or my memory..but it's hard to explain.

Time
Isiah K.

Time.
Time is your life.
Your time is ticking by a gunomite.
I still got my time and I'm still ticking.
Mine is not your time.
Is your head that's still ticking?
Only wanting it to like time.
Ticking when you get out of school.
Time.

Me, Myself and I
Ebonie C. (Room 204)

I'm sweet and pretty.
When I look in the mirror, I say
"I'm seeing something sweet and peaceful."
But some how it's so loud.
I just lay my head down.
I don't clown and in class I sit down.
You're so so loud!

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Timothy G. (2nd Grade)

The sky in the night is just so bright,
it has artistic flairs.
I see the moon every night
with good glares.

Love
Tyshianna J. (Room 311)

Love is in the air
that is why it is blue.
When you see me.
I see you.
Beautiful God, Oh mighty.
Mighty God.
I wish you were here to show
me what to do.
Show me the way.
Show me how to fly.
Beginning to end, my journey begins.

Little Brother
Isiah K.

I'm still under ground with my root.
He's up there, kicking his boots.
Bossing me around and put me in my room.
Like he's the sheriff.
The room is like a jail to me.
But I'm just in like my mother told me.
But it's boring to me.
So I sneak.
Tip Top...so he won't hear me.
So I got caught red handed.
I'm still his little brother.

The great thing about this special project is that it was simple and with the full participation of the parents, students, and community, it was simple. We all agreed that having books and reading is the easiest way to keep reading a priority. Reading 20 minutes a day, every day is a goal Walter Reed strives for and encourages, not only students, but parents too.

Pamela Osbey
Artist In Resident