A Reflective Journey on Poetry

 

On Wednesday, November 22, as we explored the world of poetry, the environment resonated with differing viewpoints of the reasons we either love or dislike this intricate art form. I was drawn to the appreciation section of the virtual Jam Board because I was fascinated by the way poetry weaves emotions through the use of figurative language.

The session unfolded with the spontaneous selection of students to recite the poem: "The Sea" & '' The Flattered Flying Fish'' as seen below .

The Sea 

The sea is a hungry dog, Giant and grey. 

He rolls on the beach all day. 

With his clashing teeth and shaggy jaws 

Hour upon hour he gnaws 

The rumbling, tumbling stones,

 And 'Bones, bones, bones, bones! ' 

The giant sea-dog moans, 

Licking his greasy paws.

 And when the night wind roars

 And the moon rocks in the stormy cloud, 

He bounds to his feet and snuffs and sniffs, 

Shaking his wet sides over the cliffs, 

And howls and hollos long and loud. 

But on quiet days in May or June, 

When even the grasses on the dune 

Play no more their reedy tune, 

With his head between his paws 

He lies on the sandy shores, 

So quiet, so quiet, he scarcely snores. 

James Reeves

It was a engaging experience to see how each reader brought the verses to life; some, though, did not do the verses the justice they deserved and were addressed by the lecturer (laughing moment😂), but even so, the verses were rich with the readers' distinctive takes and characteristics. Nevertheless  the verses were infused with personal interpretations and nuances.
The raw energy sparked by these readings set the stage for a vibrant discussion on the multifaceted nature of poetry.

In our collaborative exploration, we delved into the exercises that may harnessed in the classroom to unlock the beauty of poetry for students. Rhyming schemes appeared like guiding lights, pointing us toward the rhythmic patterns that give verses their melody. Identifying figurative languages unravels the layers of metaphors, similes, and personifications that add depth to poetic expressions.

The possibility for poetry to act as a medium for critical thinking and emotional intelligence was one startling insight. It became clear that poetry is a vehicle that may take children to places where they can face and express their feelings with grace and eloquence, going beyond just a simple word arrangement.

As a teacher of writing I now have an entirely new view of poetry's ability to rise above the ordinary and explore deeper meanings as I reflect on this session. It's more than just a literary exercise; it's an instrument for students to express the indescribable and an entry point to self-discovery. This encounter led to an interest in introducing a variety of poetic forms into the classroom and creating a setting that values the complexity of language and expression.

 As I wrap up, the journey through poetry on that Wednesday afternoon was more than a mere exploration of verses; it was an adventure into the intricacies of human experience. The Sea poem unfolded like a unique chapter, leaving an indelible mark on my understanding of the beauty woven into the fabric of words. Shannese👊