As an English teacher, most people think that I love every facet of the subject. In most cases, people are right. I love writing short stories, reading fantastic novels, studying any component of theater – particularly Shakespeare – and many have been known to call me an editorial grammar Nazi.
But you know what? There are plenty of aspects that I absolutely loathe. I’m not a fan of writing research papers – which usually consist of sifting through hours and hours of information – and I am not the biggest fan of grading them. But what I really dislike is reading poetry. I’ve never understood it – and I don’t think I ever will completely understand all of it.
Despite my abhorrence of poetry, I still make my students study it. My sophomores do a poet presentation that involves a poem analysis of one of the poet’s works. The unit also includes writing several different types of poems. I have the students write a bio poem, an I am Poem, and a redacted poem. The students usually groan when I assign this unit – and I tell them of my mutual dislike of the subject – but I am always amazed at the transformation that occurs from day one to the end.
As I was sitting at my desk grading my students’ poems this week, several of them brought me to varying degrees on the emotional meter. At moments I was uncontrollably laughing at the silly content. The next minute I was literally sobbing at the emotional turmoil they depicted.
This is the second year I have completed this unit with my students. Do you know what I have learned in the last two years? I’ve learned that many students who appear confidant – students who I’ve never worried about emotionally – are actually the very students I should be concerned about the most. I can’t tell you how many poems I read that shed light on a student lost at sea.
What saddens me the most is that these students have become such good actors. On the outside, to an unknowing observer, they appear to be living fulfilling lives. But it’s amazing what you can learn from them when they know you won’t share it with other people.
Poetry is MOVING. While sifting through their poems, I was amazed at the connection I have with these students. Many of the depressive moments I feel in my own life connect with what my students have written. I’m amazed to have a connection with them that they likely know nothing about at all.
After two years of teaching this unit, I can officially say that my viewpoint on poetry has completely changed. Maybe I still won’t understand some of it, but at least I now know the immense emotions that are put on display. It’s so easy to hide behind a façade when you write – especially when you write creatively, including poetry.
I actually sat down and wrote my own bio, I am, and redacted poems. As silly as it may sound, I actually recommend this to you as well. I was amazed at the emotions I discovered in myself that I hadn’t realized were there. It’s amazing what comes up when you shake the surface and explore. Not sure how to write those poems? I recommend looking them up on Google. You’re bound to find something new.
