4 Da Kids: My Poetry Set Forth In Motion

T-Mobile has been calling and texting me. I'm overdue and about to be cut off.

Yet, I'm too preoccupied to even worry about this matter.

I'm even a bit too much in my own world to entertain other text messages; from Papi, a friend that I refer to as "El Cheapo, " and my usual good morning, how are you greetings from another male friend, AJ.

I'm beginning preparations for the creative and etiquette workshop session with the sixth grade boys that my mother asked me to be a part of. I've been searching, skimming poetry book after book, for the right poems to present. There are a lot I see that have personally become my favorites, but I feel they maybe too advanced for their sixth grade minds.  I've even been digging through my own poetry for the different forms, but I can't find any "rule book" type forms I've written outside of the usual prose, free for all flow, couplets, haiku and tanka.

The book(s) I have on Langston do offer a variety of poetry, so I'm bound to find one that is suitable or easy for them to understand. Though I want to bring in Langston, I don't want to bring in the usual that they (may) hear in school, such as Dream Deferred.  

 

 

I also have (an autograph copy of)  Nikki Giovanni's "Cotton Candy on a Rainy Day."  I haven't flipped through this one yet.

 

Honestly, I'm tempted to head to the library and check out Shel Silverstein's "Where the Sidewalk Ends." I thought he was a brillant writer. He was introduced to me around the fifth or sixth grade. His poems, though elementary are pretty light and easy for children to understand. I'm sure I'm safe with him.

Whatif
By Shel Silverstein
(of course his work is copywritten)

Last night, while I lay thinking here.
Some Whatifs crawled inside my ear
And pranced and partied all night long
And sang their same old Whatif song:
Whatif I'm dumb in school?
Whatif they've closed the swimming pool?
Whatif I get beat up?
Whatif there's poision in my cup?...

I still wanted to bring Tupac Shakur's poetry and Alicia Keys into it as well. We'll see.  

In the midst of all of this there is some glee.

A caller, about a job, contacted me.

I don't wanna say. I don't wanna make a fuss

Cause usually when I do, it turns out a bust

I'll just say that it's a postion that I want

They have even asked me if their budget for the job should be what it ought.

I agreed and a time to meet has been set

Now I'm giddy as hell, trying to keep myself in check.

Next week is the big day and I want to look good.

So now I'm gonna keep my mouth shut so I won't knock on wood.

My portfolio is straight, my hair is always great

I just need to have clear directions so I won't be late.

Oh yes, the job is in Bethesda, but that I can do

I'm a super mom, I can do anything for my little Schmoootsy Poo.

 - Mahoganie, untitled, Feb 28, 2008

Wow! Would you believe I just came up with that?!?!?!

Yeah, Erin was right! I am "hopped up" right now.