Ashes "cross rhymed" poem

Now that you are poets, publish your work in the comment boxes. Remember to follow the assigned rhyme scheme. You will be asked to submit two postings. 

• The first will contain your original poem. 
• The second will be a critique of a peer's work. Remember to place your name at the bottom of each comment. Remember, this is positive feedback. Stick to praise... as none of us are here to criticize the creativity of our peers.
  

Be sure to keep your language appropriate and mature.

are you happy?

Use your knowledge of the book "Fahrenheit 451" to complete the following task:

Examine the image below. 

1. What message or ideas does the image convey to you? 

2. Relate this message to the novel.

3. Locate a quotation in the book that is suitable

4. Explain how your quotation is relevant to your chosen theme or idea

5. post your comment

be cool (I know, it can be hard)

I've Seen the Angels Cry

I'VE SEEN THE ANGELS CRY

I have always thought that angels wore 

halos and wings of white

But now I find they wear hard hats

and black coats with yellow stripes

And angels, in my mind, wore long 

flowing gowns of white

But now I see dark pants and shirts

and badges shining bright

And angels always floated with bare feet

above the ground

Not true! For they wear steel toed boots

and go where death is found

Not all angels have smooth hands

that look like porcelain

Some angels have torn gloves and cuts

and burns upon their skin

And while I thought all angels

glowed from heavens light

I see an angel cutting steel

his torch is shining bright

And while these earthly angels

passed buckets of debris

The angels up in heaven looked down

on bended knee

So while the smoke continued

to rise into the sky

I watched the rescue workers weep

I've seen the angels cry

Bonnie McDaniel September 17, 2001

Examine the Poem Above

• What message does the poem develop?
  
• What evidence supports your claim?
  
• Compare and contrast McDaniel's poem to your own creation
  

The Fireman

The Fireman

Examine the image of the fireman. What ideas or thoughts does this image invoke in you? 

1. Brainstorm your ideas on a graphic organizer.

2. Summarize your theme in a general statement.

3. Compose a poem that develops the theme (8 lines minimum)

4. Post your poem on the message board, and sign your first name.

When you are finished, examine the poem "I've seen the Angels Cry". What message does this poem relate?

There Will Come Soft Rains

The next text we will study will be based on the work of Ray Bradbury. Often, his work is set in the not-so-distant future, and it can question the utopian vision many have for the future.

First, visit learn a little about Ray Bradbury by doing some Web Searches. Compose a note that answers to the following:

1. When did he do most of his writing?

2. What famous texts did he write?

3. Which of his books have been made into movies?

4. What interesting facts can you learn about the number 451?

Define the term "utopia". What would a utopia look like? Describe your own version of a utopia.

Examine the image. Write a poem that attempts to capture the tone of this picture.

Public Speaking Tips

When writing a speech, you need to pay attention to two things:

1. How well you write your speech

2. How well you deliver your speech

You have been provided with a topic, and have been provided with a format. Once you have planned your speech, you need to compose your first draft. Think about the following:

1. How interesting is your introduction? Often, it is helpful to include one of the following in the Life section of your introduction:

• Ask a question
  
• A famous quotation
• An anecdote or short example

2. How well written is your work? You might think about incorporating some of the following:

• a metaphor
• a good example of alliteration
• useful vocabulary terms
• good transition words like: however, nevertheless, furthermore, etc...
• purposeful repetition
• compound adverbs and adjectives

Remember, writing a good speech now will help you reduce your stress levels when it comes time to present the finished product!

3. Preparing for the speech itself. There are many ways to reduce your anxiety, and to improve 

your ability to succeed when speaking in public. One of the best resources is Toastmasters. Visit the

Toastmasters Website, and list at least five suggestions for presenting public speeches.

http://www.toastmasters.org/MainMenuCategories/FreeResources/NeedHelpGivingaSpeech/TipsTechniques/10TipsforPublicSpeaking.aspx