poetry- you are not alone

As we continue to write poems in grade 8, I wanted to share a quick exchange with you, to remind you that you are not alone if you are frustrated or struggling. Here is an email I received from a grade 8 student last night:

Hi Mr. Raisdana,

I am sitting here and sitting here racking my brain with this poem..

In my mind i know how i could write this story, but i cannot get it from my head to the screen without being unhappy with it.

I dont think i am going to be able to have my draft done for tomorrow (i also didnt get home till very late tonight) But may i please talk to you tomorrow and discuss as to how i can 'make' this poem.

I was hoping poetry would come a little more naturally to me, as i enjoy this unit.. just struggling at the moment.

Really sorry

thanks

 Here is my response: 

Just bring what you have and we can workshop in class. This is what poetry is about. It can be hard and that is okay. It doesn't always come easily, even for the pros. It takes time, blood, sweat and tears. You are, after all, finding a way to reveal your soul and paint the world in a way no one has ever seen before. This shouldn't be easy.

Hack away at it and we will get there.....thanks for sending me the email. At least I can see that this poem is on your mind and that matters. It is in you and wants to come out, we just need to find a way to let it out.

Mr. R

There Is A Difference

I spent all day today talking with you, grade seven and eight, trying to help you (teach you) the things you need to know to think clearly and articulate your thoughts and emotions in writing. It has been exhausting, but in that good way. That feeling that we are working hard and learning and growing and possibly enjoying what we are doing.

I may be deluded, and I can live with that, but it feels like we are immersed in the "Good Work." I wanted to take a few minutes to tell you how proud of you all I am. The topics we are studying and the tasks we are doing are not easy or simple. They require you to push yourselves and work hard. As you have done all year, you have risen to the challenges and are producing some amazing work.

I said to a class the other day, 

You can either think of yourselves as middle school kids writing in English class, or you can think of yourselves as writers. There is a difference.

I see you as writers. I know you are tired and stressed, but keep up the good work.

cc licensed ( BY NC ) flickr photo shared by Intrepidteacher  

Final note, after class today as you were leaving one of you said to me,

Thanks for all your hard work Mr. Raisdana!

I cannot tell you how happy that made me. It feels nice to be acknowledged for the work we do. All this writing, reading, research, marking, feedback is hard for me too. It felt great to be thanked for my efforts. So thanks again for the enthusiasm and effort you are all putting forward. It has been noticed and appreciated.

Nine more weeks and we can all take a well-deserved break!