Poem 6: Still I Rise

Poem


You may write me down in history
With your bitter, twisted lies,
You may trod me in the very dirt
But still, like dust, I'll rise.

Does my sassiness upset you?
Why are you beset with gloom?
'Cause I walk like I've got oil wells
Pumping in my living room.

Just like moons and like suns,
With the certainty of tides,
Just like hopes springing high,
Still I'll rise.

Did you want to see me broken?
Bowed head and lowered eyes?
Shoulders falling down like teardrops.
Weakened by my soulful cries.

Does my haughtiness offend you?
Don't you take it awful hard
'Cause I laugh like I've got gold mines
Diggin' in my own back yard.

You may shoot me with your words,
You may cut me with your eyes,
You may kill me with your hatefulness,
But still, like air, I'll rise.

Does my sexiness upset you?
Does it come as a surprise
That I dance like I've got diamonds
At the meeting of my thighs?

Out of the huts of history's shame
I rise
Up from a past that's rooted in pain
I rise
I'm a black ocean, leaping and wide,
Welling and swelling I bear in the tide.
Leaving behind nights of terror and fear
I rise
Into a daybreak that's wondrously clear
I rise
Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave,
I am the dream and the hope of the slave.
I rise
I rise
I rise. 

About the Author

     Maya Angelou was born Marguerite Johnson in St. Louis, Missouri, on April 4, 1928. She grew up in St. Louis and Stamps, Arkansas. She is an author, poet, historian, songwriter, playwright, dancer, stage and screen producer, director, performer, singer, and civil rights activist. She is best known for her autobiographical books: All God's Children Need Traveling Shoes (1986), The Heart of a Woman (1981), Singin' and Swingin' and Gettin' Merry Like Christmas (1976), Gather Together in My Name (1974), and I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings (1969), which was nominated for the National Book Award.
     The first black woman director in Hollywood, Angelou has written, produced, directed, and starred in productions for stage, film, and television. In 1971, she wrote the original screenplay and musical score for the film Georgia, Georgia, and was both author and executive producer of a five-part television miniseries "Three Way Choice." She wrote and produced several prize-winning documentaries, including "Afro-Americans in the Arts," a PBS special for which she received the Golden Eagle Award. Maya Angelou was twice nominated for a Tony award for acting: once for her Broadway debut in Look Away (1973), and again for her performance in Roots (1977).

Personal Response

            “Still I Rise” by Maya Angelou is a heartfelt poem. Maya Angelou is by far one of the best poets. I remember all the struggles she faced in life from what my teacher told us. Maya is a very strong and enduring person. I respect Maya Angelou so much. I believe she’s an inspiration and motivation to many people around the world.

            Although I’m not an African American like Maya Angelou but I can see myself as her; minus the body and girl features. I assume everyone have tried getting bullied or belittled. It is not a fun experience. Trust, I’ve been to many countless bullying experiences throughout my life until now. It takes a strong, bold, and courageous individual to stand up for what’s true. Maya Angelou is an example. Some people were made to bring you down, and some are there to catch you whenever you fall.

I do have real genuine friends, but I’m a very independent individual. People tease and make fun of me and yes, it does hurt a little. It will take time to not pay attention about what people say. After mastering the skill, I’ve learned to not give a single care about what they bark. As long as I’m true to myself, there’s nothing to be sad about.  I’m putting matters on my own hands; my own happiness. It reminds me that I'm in control of my own feelings and that I will only receive respect if I respect myself.
          People’s words won’t get to me. I’m better than that. I’m a strong person. I’ll stand up for what’s correct. I’m putting my foot down. I’m a different person. I’ll outshine the rest. I’ll rise.

TP-Cast/Rhetorical Triangle Analysis

Title: In my perspective, knowing Maya Angelou, she struggles through countless racism and discrimination. I have a gut feeling that the poem Still I Rise will concentrate mostly about her overcoming and disregarding all the words people have said to put her down.

Paraphrase:

You may account me down in history
With you sour, twisted lies,
You may drag me in the very dirt
But sill, like ashes, I'll rise.

Does my sassiness anger you?
Why are you beset with gloom?
'Cause I walk like I've got grease wells
Pumping in my living room

Just like moons and like suns,
With the certainty of waves,
Just like hopes springing high,
Still I'll rise.

Did you want to see me falling apart?
Lowered head and bowed eyes?
Shoulders falling down like tears.
Weakened by my sorrowful cries.

Does my haughtiness hurt you?
Don't you take it awfully hard
'Cause I giggle like I've got gold mines
Diggin' in my own back yard.

You may attack me with your words,
You may slash me with your eyes,
You may murder me with your hatefulness,
But still, like air, I'll rise.

Does my hotness anger you?
Does it come as a shock
That I dance like I've got diamonds
At the meeting of my thighs?

Out of the huts of history's shame
I rise
Up fro a past that's ingrained in pain
I rise
I'm a black sea, leaping and wide,
Welling and swelling I bear in the tide
Leaving behind nights of chaos and fear
I rise
Into a daybreak that's wondrously visible
I rise
Bringing the presents that my ancestors gave,

I am the dream and the hope of the slave.
I rise
I rise
I rise.

Connotation:
1. Figurative Language: Metaphor - I'm a black ocean
Simile - Just like dust I'll rise. Shoulders falling down like teardrops.
Personification - just like hopes springing high I'll rise.
Allegory - the whole poem itself how deeper meanings.
2. Speaker - Maya Angelou, Audience - people who teased, made fun, and discriminate her.
3. Rhyme Scheme:
- lies, rise
- gloom, room
- tides, rise
- eyes, cries
- hard, yard
- eyes, rise
- wide, tide
- fear, clear
- gave, slave 
4. Repetition - I rise

Attitude - accepting, angry, authoritative, conflicted, determined, hurt, etc.

Title - I believe that my first answer was correct. Although the civil rights movement took place and action, people (esp. African American/Black) are still facing the constant battle between their historical background to the modern days. African Americans are not slaves anymore yet people treat them as if they're still are. We are all equal. Human...Beings. Maya Angelou is an example for all the African Americans who's still constantly fighting this ongoing civil rights war.

The poem was specifically made to encourage all the blacks that there is still hope.

Theme:
-Rise to give and empower hope on others.
- No matter what, you should continue to stand up with head up high.

References (APA-6)

Angelou, M. (2003). Poem Hunters. Still I Rise. Website. Retrieved from
http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/still-i-rise/

Poem 5: I'm Staying Home from School Today

Poem


I'm staying home from school today.
I'd rather be in bed
pretending that I have a pain
that's pounding in my head.

I'll say I have a stomach ache.
I'll claim I've got the flu.
I'll shiver like I'm cold
and hold my breath until I'm blue.

I'll fake a cough. I'll fake a sneeze.
I'll say my throat is sore.
If necessary I can throw
a tantrum on the floor.

I'm sure I'll get away with it.
Of that, there's little doubt.
But, even so, I really hope
my students don't find out.

About the Author

Kenn Nesbitt is 45 years old. He was born on February 20, 1962 in Berkley, California. He now lives in a big but old house. Kenn has a wife, a son, and a daughter. His wife named Ann. He also has a son named Max and a daughter named Madison.
      
Kenn Nesbitt children’s first poem was called Scrawny Tawny Skinner written in 1994. After that Kenn Nesbit made two new poems, the names are My Foot Fell Asleep and Binkley. During 1995 and 1996 Kenn Nesbit wrote You Can Never Be Too Careful and A Meloncholy Tales. Although all of these poems appeared in My Foot Fell Asleep.

Kenn Nesbitt poems appeared in magazines, school textbooks, and numerous anthologies of funny poetry, as well as on television, audio CDs and even restaurant placemats.

Kenn has put together this web site to share some of my poems with kids around the world. He post a new poem in his website everyday for kids to read.

Personal Response

The poem “I’m Staying Home from School Today” is generally a poem about a teacher who doesn’t want to go to school or attend her daily job. The poet describes his excuses and reasons into a poem. He gives a brief explanation of what he will do in order to pass or skip a day of his career.

I’m not a teacher but I can relate to this poem. As a high school undergraduate, I struggle everyday with high school. High school it a bit too much for me. I’m still getting use to the tons of work and assignments given to you. I’m still adapting to their expectations. Most teachers expect so much of students. They handout projects and assignments and they expect you to finish it with such little time. Of course, the teachers’ intentions are to motivate and challenge students with their academic skills. I highly support this idea but sometimes, teachers are very strict. They need to be more lenient. Since ‘m in high school, I can understand but my wishes are just lessen the strictness of some teachers. This draws my conclusion. The only reason why I don’t wish to go to school is by the work but I know I’ll have to eventually have to do it.

I’ve tried being absent just to miss schools due to the numerous assignments. Who hasn’t! It was such a wrong thing to do. I knew I wouldn’t benefit out of that doing. Being absent, even for just day meant more work. From then on, I’ve decided to come to school so that I can receive all my work and accomplish them on time.

“I’ll say I have a stomach ache, I’ll claim I’ve got the flu,” is my favorite lines in the poem simply because this was my all-time favorite excuse. I was such an expert actor when it comes to this type of situations back in the days. I would press down on my stomach, curl into a ball, and roll back and forth just to make my acting more realistic. To my astonishment, my parents, especially my mother, believed me. She will automatically put me into my comfort zone. I had the special treatment – food, air conditioner, and television. I knew it was bad to take advantage of people especially your parents. This is also why I stopped doing such horrible things.

TP-Cast/Rhetorical Triangle Analysis

Title: The title itself is very obvious. "I'm staying home from school today" only gives you one idea only, and that person (student, staff, or principal) does not want to go to school.

Paraphrase:
I'm staying home from school today.
I'd rather be in bed
pretending that I'm in agonizing pain
that pounding in my head

I'll say I have a bad stomach ache.
I'll claim I've got the common cold.
I'll shiver like I'm freezing
and grasp my breath until I'm blue.

I'll impersonate a cough. I'll fake a sneeze.
I'll say my throat is sore.
If needed I can throw
a tantrum on the floor.

I'm sure I'll get away with it.
Of that, there's little doubt.
But even so, I truly hope
my students don't find out.

Connotation:
1. Structure - 4 stanza and quatrains. Rhyme Scheme -- ABCB ABCB ABCB ABCB Meter -- Iambic Tetrameter Punctuation -- periods and apostrophe 
2. Speaker - a teacher, Audience -- his students.
3. Figurative Language - Hyperbole (pretending that I have a pain that's pounding in my head... and hold my breath until I'm blue.)

4. Imagery - Touch (I'll shiver like I'm cold) Sight (and hold my breath until I'm blue.)
5. Repetition - NONE

Attitude:
Lazy, irresponsible, inconsiderate, deceiving, cunning, dishonest, selfish, cynical.

Shifts:
1st quatrain - He will pretend that he has a massive headache or possibly a migraine.
2nd quatrain - The poet further continues to give more excuses such as having the flu, stomach ache, cold, and so forth.
3rd quatrain - He still continues his selfish intentions. He also states that he will go to an extent by throwing a tantrum if necessary.
4th quatrain - The poet knows for a certain that he'll get away with his wrong doing but even so, he still hopes his students don't find out.

Title: I was correct with my first answer and predictions. This teacher must really loath his students if he goes to this extent. Another conspiracy is that the teacher is just a lazy bum. He gives details about the excuses he'll say if he does not want to go to school. While most of these excuses are accurate, students will be affected by the outcome. Most students will have trouble regarding their education. The students will probably be behind from all the lessons that are expected there to be taught. I believe people, especially teachers, shouldn't even think of making such ridiculous excuses just to skip school whatsoever. Students will be the most affected.

Theme: Every lie has its consequences.

References (APA-6)

Nesbitt, K. (2001). Giggle Poetry. I'm Staying form School Today. Website. Retrieved from
http://www.gigglepoetry.com/poem.aspx?PoemID=529&CategoryID=44

Poem 4: Dreams

Poem

Hold fast to dreams

For if dreams die

Life is a broken-winged bird

That cannot fly.

Hold fast to dreams

For when dreams go

Life is a barren field

Frozen with snow. 

About the Author

     James Langston Hughes was born February 1, 1902, in Joplin; Missouri. It was in Lincoln, Illinois, that Hughes began writing poetry. Following graduation, he spent a year in Mexico and a year at Columbia University. During these years, he held odd jobs as an assistant cook, launderer, and a busboy, and traveled to Africa and Europe working as a seaman.
In November 1924, he moved to Washington, D.C. Hughes's first book of poetry, The Weary Blues, was published by Alfred A. Knopf in 1926. He finished his college education at Lincoln University in Pennsylvania three years later. In 1930 his first novel, “Not without Laughter”, won the Harmon gold medal for literature.
      In addition to leaving us a large body of poetic work, Hughes wrote eleven plays and countless works of prose, including the well-known “Simple” books: Simple Speaks His Mind, Simple Stakes a Claim, Simple Takes a Wife, and Simple's Uncle Sam.

Personal Response

     “Dreams” by Langston Hughes is a very short and straightforward poem. It specifically talks about what an individual must do to uphold their dreams. Langston is basically giving an advice to the teenagers and even the upcoming adults of the future.
      For me, I truly love this poem. It only consists of eight lines. But what I found amazing is that it has such deeper meanings and emotions. Hughes is an amazing poet. For some unusual reason, this poem suddenly inspires me. The poem “Dreams” is my everyday motivation. I don’t look at this poem like all the other basic poems. This is my starting point, my guide. I shall cherish this poem. Conquer the world before my very eyes. I will succeed.
      I have a 21 year old brother who still seems so lost in life. He does not know what he will pursue as a career. In fact, he’s still in college. I’m trying my best to not follow his path. I’m creating my own; a unique road. I will reach my dreams of becoming a medic. I’m determined. Nothing will stop me. And if they have the boldness, I’ll constantly triumph.
     These simple words really ignite hope to our mind, fill courage in our soul, and awake our capabilities. Each time I read it, it truly uplifts my confidence and faith on me. It calls for energize our self with realistic dreams and unleash our potential to conquer our world. It is like a candle light for desperate and broken minds. It’s astonishing how Hughes says so much, inspires so many, with so less. 

TP-Cast/Rhetorical Triangle Analysis

Title: The title "Dreams" can mean so much things. Such as what it take to accomplish or reach a dream. Qualities you must have to reach one. How to accomplish a dream/goal.

Paraphrase:
Hold fast to dreams
If dreams die
Life is a broken-winged eagle
That is flightless.
Hold fast to dreams
If dreams go
Life is a empty field
Nothing but snow.

Connotations:
1. Structure - Octave (8 lines stanza) Rhyme Scheme -- ABCB ABCB Meter -- Iambic Dimeter. Punctuation -- period and hyphen.
2. Speaker - a wise poet, Audience -- determined individuals pursuing their dreams
3. Figurative Language - Metaphor (Life is a broken-winged bird... Life is a barren field.) Personification (For if dreams die)
4. Imagery - Sight (Frozen with snow... Life is a broken-winged bird... Life is a barren field) Touch (Frozen with snow) 
5. Repetition - Hold fast to dreams...

Attitude:
wise, outspoken, inspirational, and motivating.

Title: Reading back to this poem, it briefly gives you an explanation of how hope and determination works when reaching a goal/dream. Without hope and determination, most people wouldn't even come close to their dreams. Hope is that tiny little matter that helps you go through a day. Hope motivates you to do as you will. Determination is what keeps you going. Persistence and encouragement is what people should have if they wish to reach their dreams. This poem serves as a motivation to people who desires to accomplish their goal. There is so much meaning to this poem with so little to say. 

Theme: Never give up on your dreams.

References (APA-6)

Hughes, L. (2003). Poem Hunters. Dreams. Website. Retrieved from 
http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/dreams-2/ 

Poem 3: It's Finally Friday

Poem

It’s finally Friday—I’m so glad.
It’s been a crazy week.
I got chewed out on Monday, 
and since then it’s all been bleak.
I lost my lunch on Tuesday,
and a parent went insane,
which shocked me so completely
that I almost popped a vein.

I poked my eye on Wednesday,
and the nurse gave me a shot.
She sent me to the doctor
when I fainted on the spot.

On Thursday I was tardy
’cause I kinda overslept.
And the snack that I was craving 
came up missing in a theft.

And so it’s finally Friday.
No more pencils, no more books.
No more sitting in detention, 
no more teachers’ dirty looks.

By Friday I’m exhausted, 
out of energy and breath.
But that’s the day you’ll hear me shout,
“Rejoice, TGIF!”

And twice a month on Friday,
I remember why I stay:
You see, I am the principal—
that’s when I get my pay.

About the Author

Paul Orshoski, an international children’s author and poet, is a former schoolteacher, coach and principal from Sandusky, Ohio.  He writes witty, humorous, rhyming children’s books and poems.  Paul is the author of eight children's books published by Treasure Bay, Inc. of Novato, California.  Treasure Bay is a leading publisher of educational children's books designed to enhance parent involvement in reading.  His books, part of Treasure Bay's "We Read Phonics" series, include:  "Where is My Frog?" "Bugs on the Bus," "Ant in Her Pants," "I Do Not Like Greens!" and "Robot Man.” Paul’s poems have also appeared in the following magazines:  "Boys' Quest," "Fun for Kidz," "Hopscotch for Girls," "Scholastic Action," and "The School Administrator."  Paul enjoys making kids giggle during school visits by enthusiastically performing his poems and books in small or large group settings wherever he is asked to present.

Personal Response

“It’s Finally Friday” composed by Paul Orshoki describes and illustrates the mind and activities students do. The poet talks about his experiences by days of the week. Each day, he portrays different events and disasters that happened during the week. Most students, especially high school undergraduates, can obviously relate to this poem. Although the events that took place in the poem are quite unusual and strange, we all still have something in common… school is exhausting.

“On Thursday I was tardy ‘cause I kind of overslept and the snack that I was craving came up missing in a theft,” I CAN UTTERLY RELATE TO THIS. As a teenager, I tend to sleep so late. You don’t even have a clue. I have such bad sleeping patterns. It interferes with my education and physical being. Sometimes, I can stay awake until two or three in the morning. I don’t know what causes such unusual behavior. I’d like to believe that it’s nothing serious but the situation is constant. I assume it’s because I over think too excessively at night. I over think situations so much to the point I get so hyped up that I get stress out.

“And so it’s finally Friday. No more pencils, no more books. No more sitting in detention, no more teachers’ dirty looks.” I have so much favorite verses in this poem but I chose this because it straightforward. These verses are the main reason I despise school. The thick textbooks I carry and read everyday occasionally gets tiring. The notes and reading reviews is a killer. My brain dies a little each day. I could really care less about several teachers because in the end, I’m actually doing this for me. It will be a long endless road but I know the end results will help me academically on the long run. I’ll be outrageously intellectual!

TP-Cast/Rhetorical Triangle Analysis

Title: By analyzing the title, there is several outcomes this title can have. For one, Fridays are usually pay day; our relatives, friends, and parents income. Another can be a trip, vacation, or etc. Any plans that are scheduled on a Friday. But for some students, Friday is their most beloved day of the week; mainly because that's the day where the weekend comes right after.

Paraphrase:
It's Friday - I'm so happy.
It's been a preposterous week.
I got bitten on Monday,
and since then it's been dreary

I lost my lunch on Tuesday,
and a parent went crazy,
which astonished me so drastically
that I almost popped a vein.

I stabbed my eye on Wednesday,
and the nurse gave me a shot
She brought me to the doctor
when I collapsed on the spot.

On Thursday I was late
' cause I kinda excessively slept,
And the snack that I wanted
was missing in a theft.

And so it's Friday.
No more pencils, books,
No more sitting in detention,
no more teacher's dirty stares.

By Friday I'm exhausted,
out of energy and breath.
But that's the day you'll hear me scream,
"Rejoice, TGIF!"

And twice a month on Friday,
I remember why I stay:
You see, I am the principal -
that's when I get my monthly pay.

Connotation:
1. Structure: 7 stanzas and quatrains. Rhyme Scheme -- ABCB ABCB ABCB ABCB ABCB ABCB ABCB Meter -- Iambic Trimeter Punctuation -- commas, colons, quotation marks, exclamation point, hyphen, apostrophe, and periods.

2. Speaker - a principal, Audience -- any reader.
3. Figurative Language: Hyperbole ( I almost popped a vein) Irony of Situation (You see, I am the principal - that's when I get my pay.)
4. Imagery - Touch (I got chewed out... popped a vein...) Sight (No more teachers' dirty looks, No more pencils, no more books....) Hear ("Rejoice, TGIF!")
5. Repetition - No more...

Attitude:
Mean, inconsiderate, selfish, not a care in the world, irresponsible, lazy, greedy.

Shifts:
1st quatrain: The poet talks about his Monday experience. He states that he got bitten or chewed up by someone or something.
2nd quatrain: On Tuesday, a demented parent came to his room and he almost popped a vein.
3rd quatrain: On Wednesday, he stabbed his eye and therefor he was sent to the doctor but unfortunately fainted on the spot.
4th quatrain: On Thursday, he was tardy because he overslept. His snack was stolen.
5th quatrain: On Friday, he talks about how he his happy that it's Friday. No more teacher's dirty glares and whatnot.
6th quatrain: The poet talks about how he is so exhausted but he eventually become happy since his beloved weekday is here.
7th quatrain: He reveals himself and says his reason about why he still stays. For his pay/salary.

Title: I was not close in being correct. Only the fact that Fridays means salary or pay day. The main character in this poem was a principal. I found it so ironic because I expected the speaker to be a student. The poet talks about his experiences during ever day of the week; experiences that can happen to students too. As students, we see our principal as role models. Some of us look after him/her as a leader. We try and follow their footsteps. We also believe that principals are highly sophisticated creatures. But in reality, some principals hide unexpected matters that we don't even consider. Most principals might very well be hiding some secrets that they don't wish to reveal. Like how much they detest teacher, staffs, students, and others members and are only staying for the income. Just let that sink in...

Theme: Every person is cynical, they have their own selfish intentions.

References (APA-6)

Orshoski, P. (2006). Poetry Teacher. It’s Finally Friday. Website. Retrieve from
http://www.poetryteachers.com/schoolpoems/itsfinallyfriday.htm

Poem 2: A Friend

Poem

A person who will listen and not condemn
Someone on whom you can depend
They will not flee when bad times are here
Instead they will be there to lend an ear
They will think of ways to make you smile
So you can be happy for a while
When times are good and happy there after
They will be there to share the laughter

Do not forget your friends at all
For they pick you up when you fall
Do not expect to just take and hold
Give friendship back, it is pure gold.

About the Author

Gillian Jones made a novel, A Misted Mirror, which was named as joint-winner of the Proverse Prize and was published by Proverse Press, Hong Kong, in November 2011. The book is based on the life of the poet Keith Jones whose career as a language expert with the British Council took him to live in many parts of the world. Gillian met in Tehran where she was sent, also by the British Council, to work in the language centre during the four years leading up to the Islamic Revolution of 1979. Her novel is based on these exciting times, but also the searing contrast when he developed Parkinson's disease and later dementia. It is an exhilarating tribute to the life of a poet and an attempt to square the circle of life, love, loss and where it all leads.

Personal Response

“A Friend” is a poem written by Gillian Jones. In general, the poem talks about what a friend is… what a friend can do for you and what you can do for your friend. It sounds kind of stupid and vague but it’s not. It’s just general knowledge and common sense. The things your friend does reflect or somehow is related to you. Anything he or she says sometimes pertains to you. The actions he or she does affect you. In return, either you give it or not; you should also demonstrate the matters your friend does for you. It’s basically a give and return situation.

The poet does give some cases and situation of what a friend is expected to do; or what most friends do. “A person who will listen and not condemn someone on whom you can depend,” is an example. Everyone wants a friend who will constantly listen to them. A friend who will listen to your side of the story and not give a single attention to what others say is what a genuine peer is. Someone you can depend on is also a bonus. You don’t want a friend who is untrustworthy. You’re just waiting for a disaster to strike. We all want the same characteristics and valuable qualities when looking for a friend.

I chose this poem simply because it precisely describes most of the qualities my very long-closed friend had since. Countless people did me wrong. I don’t want that to happen anymore. I’m taking such precautious approach to people nowadays. It will take time. I just can’t seem to trust anyone in particular these days except for one.

“When times are good and happy there after they will be there to share the laughter,” is my favorite verse in this poem. I chose this verse only because I long for friendships such as this. A type of relationship where it consists most of laughter and not arguments is what I wish for.

TP-Cast/Rhetorical Triangle Analysis

Title: The poem will definitely talk about a friend. Specifically about qualities, characteristics, personality, etc. It doesn't give anymore details about the poem. The title is very short. There can't be any other ideas to come up with.

Paraphrase:
A person who will listen and not disregard
Someone you can trust
They won't run when struggles are present
Instead they'll hear you out
Think of ways to make you smile

So you can be happy for a while
When times are all good and blissful
They will be there to exchange laughter
Don't forget your friend
For they pick you up when you fall
Don't just receive and grasp
Give friendship back, it is pure gold

Connotation:

1. Structure - 2 stanza. 1 stanza with 8 lines and 1 quatrain. Rhyme Scheme -- AABBCCDDEEFF Meter -- Iambic Tetrameter Punctuation -- period. 

2. Speaker - A true friend, Audience -- a genuine friend

3. Figurative Language - Allegory (For they pick you up when you fall) Symol (Give friendship back, it is pure gold) Metaphor (Give friendship back, it is pure gold.)

4. Imagery - Hear (They will be there to share the laughter)

5. Repetition - NONE

Attitude:

straightforward, respectful, trustworthy, genuine, incredibly considerate and caring, knowledgeable, self less intentions.

Shifts:
1st stanza: The poet talks about what a genuine friend is. What a genuine should do, what distinguish a person from a real friend to a common friend, and so forth.
2nd stanza (quatrain): It reminds you to not forget who your true friends are for they will pick you up when you fall. The poet also describes that friendship is valuable, it's pure gold.

Title: After reading it again, I have a new knowledge about friendship. This poem gave me an insight on what to expect regarding to finding a real true friend. The poem shortly explains what real friends do and in return, as a friend, it is logically right to give friendship back in return.

Theme: 
- Friendship is valuable
- Give and take friendship back.

References (APA-6)

Jones, G. (2008). Family and Friends Poems. Poem on Friendship. A Friend. Website. Retrieved from
http://www.familyfriendpoems.com/poem/a-friend

Poem 1: The Drifters Melody

Poem

The time soon comes for parting,
And our time is at an end,
The rest of your life is starting,
And we have no time at all to spend.

You knew one day you'd have to go,
But thought you'd have more time.
We can't reverse time's one-way flow,
But at least you'll have this rhyme.

You had your shining moments,
Upon this life's darkened stage,
And in my book of wonderments,
You'll never be just another page.

Like the exploding of a star,
You've changed me in and out,
Your light will travel with me far,
Past when all other lights go out

About the Author

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Personal Response

The Drifter’s Melody is a poem written by Megan R. Bokowski. The poem gives intricately complex details about her and her friend’s parting friendship. I absolutely appreciate this poem. It’s so simple yet incredibly significant.

The poem is easy to comprehend and read. At the first stanza, I instinctively thought it was a poem dedicated to a friendship coming to its end. I kept reading it until I stumbled upon the last stanzas. In general, the poem is actually about a person, specifically a friend, which made such a huge impact to her life. Be it good or bad, the friend changed the poet’s character. I assume that the impact was a positive outcome since the poet narrates compliments about the friend. An example is, “Your light will travel with me far, past when all other lights go out.”

I can exactly relate to this poem. I do have a friend that made such an enormous footprint in my life. She was there for me constantly. She was there when no one was. She’s a person you can absolutely rely on. She’s a person that takes big responsibility to what she does. She gives her full effort to everything at hand. She was a sister I never had. Being a very intellectual person, it was only natural that she was an over achiever. Without a doubt, I knew she was my inspiration. I tried to follow most of her footsteps. But I still tried to make my path different from hers. I wanted mine to be unique and original. Over time, she graduated from high school and departed to the United States to pursue her career to work under the military, precisely the Air Force. We parted from there. Until now, we still keep in touch. Our friendship is still there, but it’s not as strong as it was before.

“You had your shining moments, upon this life’s darkened stage, and in my book of wonderments, you’ll never be just another page.” Those lines were my favorite. Once I was done reading it, I was in deep awe. I felt a tug at my heart strings. I was touched. The friend must be really lucky to have such a sweet and caring friend. I would.

TP-Cast/Rhetorical Triangle Analysis

Title: The Drifter's Melody is self explanatory. I believe that the poem will talk about parting away with his/her friend, or maybe even a loved one. A family or relative maybe.

Paraphrase:
It's time to part away,
Our time is at end,
Your life is starting,
There's is no time to spend at all

You knew you'd have to go,
But you thought there will be more time.
We can't undo time flow,
But you'll have this rhyme.

You had your glorious moments,
Upon this stage,
And in my book of wonders,
You'll never be another page.

Like a collapsing star,
You've changed me in and out,
Your light will travel with me,
Past when all other lights can't.

Connotation: 
1. Structure -- quatrains in each stanza. Rhyme Scheme -- ABAB ABAB ABAB ABAB Meter -- Iambic pentameter  Punctuation: period and commas.
2. Speaker - A friend, Audience -- a friend he's saying goodbye to.
3. Figurative - symbol (your light will travel with me far) allegory (Upon this life's darkened stage)
4. Imagery - Sight (like the exploding of a start) 

5. Repetition - NONE

Attitude: selfish, honest, caring, appreciative, thankful.

Shifts:
1st quatrain (Lines 1-4) - It talks about how they're parting; how one of their life is starting.
2nd quatrain (Lines 4-8) - The speaker says that they don't have any time to spend together but she assures him/her that this poem is for him/her.
3rd quatrain (Lines 8-12) - The speaker describes the friend's life. How she had her moments in her darkest times of her life. She said that she'll remain forever in her heart.
4th quatrain (Lines 12-16) - She talks about how the friend changed her positively. She explains that her friend's light/spirit will forever guide her when other's won't.

Title: I was kind of correct with my first answer. The poem did talk about parting from her friend. But the poem also had a positive outcome. She briefly describes how her friend drastically impacted her life. She explains how even though the friend struggles through her most difficult times of her life, she still manages to shine and overcome those struggles. I believe the poet's friend is her inspiration. The friend made such a huge turning point in her life that she changed for the better.

Theme: A friend come and goes, either he/she changes you for the better or worse.

References (APA-6)

Bokowski, M.R. (2007). Family and Friends Poem. Goodbye Poem for Friends. The Drifter’s Melody. Website. Retrieved from
http://www.familyfriendpoems.com/poem/poem-about-saying-googbye-the-drifters-melody

Table of Contents

10 Poems by 10 Different Poets:

1. The Drifter's Melody by Megan R. Bokowski

2. A Friend by Gillian Jones

3. It's Finally Friday by Paul Orshoki

4. Dreams by Langston Hughes

5. I'm Staying Home from School Today by Kenn Nesbitt

6. Still I Rise by Maya Angelou