Hey guys! This semester was really fun, all things considered. It was great to be able to discuss and critique poetry with you all. Especially when we used pseudonyms! I think that there's something really beautiful about writing under a name, and trying to surreptitiously decode meanings to find out who wrote what poem. I know that's probably not what we were supposed to do, but I thought it was fun anyway. I have all of the poems I wrote, as myself and as Number Thirteen, in this Word file. I didn't really change much, but I included a little something something at the end lol. I will really, truly miss you all, and if you see me around on campus (if we ever go back to campus that is) then give me a shout and I'll shout back.
Stay safe! Much love.
John! A reflection POEM! Nice work. God that bee poem has really stuck with me. But looking at your portfolio you are really doing a huge range of things with your work. I hope you'll keep writing in every way that feels right, trying it all. That you can be successful in so many different ways is proof that you've got what it takes to be successful in whatever genre(s) you choose.
Joao,
First off, I am so astonished at where the bee poem originated for you, you turned that experience of why your day left into this amazing poem that--obviously--is very loved. It was a brilliant poem and I think it was great to have a poem that meant something but could also make everyone smile. Your honesty in you poetry is what makes it simple but great. I would also like to say that I thought it was really smart to turn your final reflection into a poem that revealed all. I admire your ability to be so honest and direct but also to make others laugh. I've enjoyed your poems and I hope you'll keep writing. Best of luck, Joao
Yesssss! I knew it ! By the time I got to the bee poem, I was like I bet its Joao! Either way, I wanted to say your poems are always very interesting. You tell stories that are pleasant and honest and I am glad you shared these with us! Overall, I find that you have showed us that you have great sensory details the keep us reading. Great job!
Jon I loved the way you tied your poems this semester together and added meaning to your poetic journey through poetry. Every poem you've written has your unique voice in it that I pick up on. With the varying tones there's always an undertone of clear Jon (number thirteen) and I think that's really amazing! The growth poem tapped into that voice like never before as it passed through each moment you've created so far with your work. Amazing!
Joao, I really liked how you wrote your reflection as a poem and provided some insight on your other poems. I love that you wrote silly, lighthearted poems like And I Was a Bee but also wrote a very sincere and deep poem like I'm Sorry. I also appreciate that you gave the bee poem a more personal side to it instead of making it all funny. Your writing is very unique, and you have a very strong voice. You always gave insightful comments in class that were very helpful. I enjoyed seeing your growth throughout the semester. Thank you for sharing your poetry with us.
Hey, Joao.
I feel the same way about pseudonyms. It's funny, but one of my favorite moments of this semester was when you, me, Teresa, and Taylor were talking after class and we revealed our pseudonyms, talked about our guesses for who was who. It was such a small, inconsequential moment, but I felt very close to everyone, even though we're only acquaintances. I think, in many ways, poetry is about those little moments.
You know, I hadn't even settled on a name for myself, when I lady up, until this class forced me to pick one. I didn't even want to stick with one, at first; I wanted to change pseudonyms every poem. But once I had it, I wanted to stay in it, grow in it. I found your words about growth very touching...it being frustration, and forgiveness, and life.
You make bold choices with every poem, and where you aren't unconventional, you're self-challenging. You're very honest, about how frustrating and strange and hard life can be. It takes guts to take a hard look at yourself. It takes guts to call a broken system what it is and not apologize for it. And it takes guts to take your own heartbreak and make something really fun out of it. I find that so groundbreaking, to take such a self-serious art as poetry and use it to make people smile. There's power there. I really respect all of that. I really respect your work.
Take care of yourself, okay?
The bee poem!! Amazing. I tried to figure out who everyone was as well and I had no clue what your pseudonym was. I love the last poem too!!
The bee poem!! Wow! Great job on this and thank you for sharing.