"Poetic Wednesday" In my college poetry class, we were given the very challenging assignment to compose an original poem and then write an essay analyzing that poem. My essay got an "A." My poem didn't. WE If I bursts into We, and together We standShoulder to shoulder, or hand in hand,Knitting soul to soul, two … Continue reading “We” – A Poem About Friendship
"Poetic Wednesday" Paul Lawrence Dunbar (1872-1906) is one of the most famous African American poets> He was first to gain national recognition. “The Debt” is a poem about the consequences of our choices. We are free to act, but there is always accountability for our actions. Even one momentary lapse in judgement can have a … Continue reading “The Debt.” Poem about Small Mistakes – Big Consequences
"Poetic Wednesday" Sir Walter Scott (1771-1832) was a lawyer, judge, historian, and playwright. He was also one of Scotland’s best loved poets. “Native Land” is one of my favorite poems because it captures our feelings of patriotism for our “native land.” (Like most poetry, it is better if you read “Native Land” out loud with … Continue reading “Native Land” – A Famous Poem About Patriotism, by Sir Walter Scott
"Poetic Wednesday" William Shakespeare (1564-1616) is considered to be the greatest writer in the English language and the world’s greatest dramatist. As an English major in college, I was required to take a full semester class on “the Bard.” I enjoyed listening to the recordings of famous actors as I followed along with the text. … Continue reading “All the World’s A Stage” – A Famous Poem About the Stages of Life by William Shakespeare
"Poetic Wednesday" Stephen Crane (1871-1900) was a popular American poet, novelist, and short story writer. His classic Civil War novel, “The Red Badge of Courage” was required reading in high school. THERE WAS A CRIMSON CLASH OF WAR There was a crimson clash of war.Lands turned black and bare;Women wept;Babes ran, wondering.There came one … Continue reading “There Was a Crimson Clash of War” – Famous Poem About the Senselessness of War
"Poetic Wednesday" When I was in college, in the old days, scientists agreed that the earth was threatened by global cooling. Because of pollution, warming solar radiation was being reflected into space, and the world was cooling. Our planet would end in a fatal ice age. Now, scientists concur that the earth is threatened by … Continue reading “Fire and Ice” – Robert Frost’s 1920 Poem on How the World will End
"Poetic Wednesday" This is one of my all-time favorite poems. I have often used it in lots of talks and lessons. “Zode” is a fun poem with a profound message. “Zode” is about indecision, dithering, and the fear of taking a chance. This poem contrasts with Robert Frost’s famous poem about coming to a … Continue reading “Zode in the Road” – A Fun Poem About “Dithering”
"Favorite Poems" Silverstein's Cartoon I love poetry. Sheldon “Shel” Silverstein (1930-1999) is famous for his cartoons, novelty songs, children’s books, and poetry. Millions of his books have been published, and he has received many prestigious awards. I own several of his books of poetry. Some of his witty children’s poems are very profound. Prayer of … Continue reading “Prayer of the Selfish Child” – Shel Silverstein
"Poetic Wednesday" RAINBOW BRIDGE The builder who first bridged Niagara's gorge,Before he swung his cable, shore to shore,Sent out across the gulf his venturing kiteBearing a slender cord for unseen handsTo grasp upon the further cliff and drawA greater cord, and then a greater yet;Till at last across the chasm swungThe cable--then the … Continue reading “Rainbow Bridge” – A Famous Poem about the Niagara Gorge Cable and our Connection with God
James Weldon Johnson (1871-1938) was an African American writer, poet, and civil rights activist. He was a leader of the NAACP, and the first African American professor at New York University where he taught creative literature and writing. President Theodore Roosevelt appointed him as U.S. Consul in Venezuela and Nicaragua. (As with most of my … Continue reading “The Creation: A Negro Sermon”
The London Edition 