Today she called from Florida voice slurred, spilling commands that I tell her about my separation, my job, my life. Threatening, between bouts of coughing, to fly here in just two hours. And I could see her, hunched over the phone, dried up and shrinking like a root torn from earth and long forgotten. It is not important how well you write in front of the students. What is important is that you are honest about yourself and that you write from your heart.
Next students write their own poem about a photograph they treasure or one they wish they had.
Students need 15-20 minutes to write. When done they share with the class if they wish. Below are two poems generated from this lesson. Dad by Greg Tolston Dear father, I wish I had a few pictures of you. But now since I've grown up I still remember you.