Economy+of+Words

For this assignment you will create poetry out of prose.

In your groups, do the following:

1. Take a look at the pages your group has been assigned. What are the major plot points? What are the themes?

2. Choose one of the themes/ideas expressed in the pages and create a poem using the words on your given pages. You may use NO MORE THAN 100 words to make your point.

3. You may order your words in any way you like. You may not repeat words unless they are repeated on the pages. Consider the rules/elements of poetry: enjambment, diction, alliteration--you remember these, right?

4. Don't try to rhyme.

5. When you're done, write your poem below. You might have to take turns! Be sure to sign them with your names.

6. You'll present your poem and explanation tomorrow!

by Sabrina, Sayge and Courtney
 * Toughest Recipe**

No one else

was left.

Tita was the only one who could do it

First her feet swelled up,

then her face,

and hands.

They didn't know the baby

would arrive so soon.

Tita peeked

between her sisters legs,

repeatedly, but nothing.

Nothing

But a tunnel

dark, silent, deep.

Transforming.

A red river,

erupting volcano, a rending

of paper.

How alone

Tita felt.

She hated them all

including Pedro

But the baby's cries

filled all the empty space

in Tita's heart.

Tita and the sister

she had despised for so long

Wept together

For life, this child,

For Pedro.

Bent over on her knees,

She ground the almonds and the sesame seeds.

From the living-room,

He heard her melodious voice.

He couldn't resist

The sounds and smells from the kitchen.

He headed toward them

And stopped at the doorway.

Their eyes met.

His Lowered eyes, his penetrating look,

Fire transformed the elements.

A single look, a single rhythmic and sensual motion,

A single trembling breath, a single desire,

Their passionate glances fused.

His scrutiny changed their relationship forever.

A revived love in faith had grown.

-Lynn and Kiana

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">S e p a r a t i o n  <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">by Aolana, Kathryn, Sammi

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The pain of separation

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Her nephew and her doves

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Carried off by the rebels,

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The captain and Mami

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">No eating, no sleeping,

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Her loves were in Texas

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The coo of the doves

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Now replaced by silence

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Loneliness

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Fueled her mourning

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Dried out and lonely

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 15px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">From the pain of separation