It wasn't a deliberate decision to become a poet. It was something I found myself doing - and loving. Language became an addiction.
Yusef KomunyakaaRead
Students often have such a lofty idea of what a poem is, and I want them to realize that their own lives are where the poetry comes from. The most important things are to respect the language; to know the classical rules, even if only to break them; and to be prepared to edit, to revise, to shape.
Interpretation
Poetry is rooted in personal experience and self-expression rather than conforming to strict rules.
In this quote, Yusef Komunyakaa emphasizes that poetry is not just about adhering to high ideals or classical forms, but rather about drawing inspiration from one's own life experiences. He encourages students to understand the importance of respecting language and traditional rules, while also highlighting the creative process of editing and shaping their work to reflect their unique voices.
In practice
This quote can be shared in a poetry workshop to inspire participants to draw from their personal experiences.
It wasn't a deliberate decision to become a poet. It was something I found myself doing - and loving. Language became an addiction.
We have to embrace the good over the bad. That has to be one's personal project.
I originally wanted to embrace the imagery and forthrightness of rap music. There are some interesting, dynamic voices in rap. But I find most of it irresponsible in its overt violence and commercialization of anger. As artists, we believe we can will action through language. If that's the case, we have to take responsibility for what we say.
I'm uncomfortable with the focus on the poet and not on the poem.
Poetry helps me understand who I am. It helps me understand the world around me. But above all, what poetry has taught me is the fact that I need to embrace mystery in order to be completely human.
Tonight I feel the stars are out_x000D_ to use me for target practice.
Each time I visit such a classroom, where the teacher is more interested in creating a democratic community than in maintaining her position of authority, I’m convinced all over again that moving away from consequences and rewards isn’t just realistic - it’s the best way to help kids grow into good learners and good people.
Children love this idea that their brain is like a muscle that gets stronger as they use it.
Had I the power, I would scatter libraries over the whole land as the sower sows his wheatfield.
Sleep is good, he said, And books are better.
I add this, that rational ability without education has oftener raised man to glory and virtue, than education without natural ability.
There's a lot of talk these days about giving children self-esteem. It's not something you can give; it's something they have to build. Coach Graham worked in a no-coddling zone. Self-esteem? He knew there was really only one way to teach kids how to develop it: You give them something they can't do, they work hard until they find they can do it, and you just keep repeating the process.
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