Literature and Advanced Writing II- Assignment and VOTING

Replies are closed for this discussion.

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Quiana Hampton on March 16, 2009 at 11:54am

Zakiya Francois

Permalink Reply by Chris Leach on March 16, 2009 at 12:12pm

My Lady by Damon Childs
In the poem "My Lady" the theme is to save the Earth we live on because we are getting to the point where it is becoming too late. The author is taking the poistion of begging the Earth while asking to stay another day. From reading the poem, the audience can interpret auditory imagery through feeling as if we can see the destroyed and devouring earth. There is a similie also being used in the poem when the Earth is compared to "My Lady". The author seems to compare the Earth to a woman who he takes possession to as if the Earth is his mate. This is very essential because we all need to put the Earth in the same regards we would put our mate in. If we as people took care of the Earth like we take care of our mates, we would have a much cleaner and healthier planet.

Permalink Reply by Chris Leach on March 16, 2009 at 12:22pm

Joey Presto
In Joey Prestos poem "Whats Important to You" the theme of the poem is how far are people willing to go in order to save our Earth and how aware are they of the problems that we are faced with. The poem aalso has an informative tone to it because the author is trying to tell us to wake and realize what we are doing to the Earth. She uses several examples to show that if the destruction of the Earth begins to take away from our personal routines like shopping and using computers we will get it together quicker. The author also tells us that if she told you the world was ending, would you wake up and make a change.

Permalink Reply by Steven Anderson on March 16, 2009 at 12:23pm

I like Joey Presto's poem, "What's Important To You", because it challenges readers to think ahead. The main idea of this poem appears to be, that humanity only pays attention to bad things, if they happen on a massive scale. This makes it difficult to warn people of oncoming dangers, until they are right on top of us. I also like how the poem was able to take something obscure, and personalize it.

"If a small seal drowns because of the temperature change in the water, will you care?
Well, what if it affected the decline in the clothing and articles you wear?" (Presto)

Many would not care about the seal, but they do care about things closer to them. The rhyming also helps this poem keep a rythem, and that keeps people interested. If a poem slows down, people may stop reading. It starts with an old logic question, and ends in a sarcastic jab to those who would answer "no" to any of the questions presented.

Salieu Bah's poem is also a nice one, because it uses personification in order to ask questions from Earth's perspective. The message is very clear here, Earth wants us to

"recycle, use less energy and water." (Bah)

I like this because Earth is making a plea to humanity. This tends to invoke two major emotions in readers, pity, and anger. Readers will pitty the Earth, as she is a victim to humanity, and may feel anger against humanity for ignoring her calls.

Augustine O. Uwayzor's poem also uses personification, as he appears to have a conversation with Earth. It starts as Augustine attempting to comfort Earth in the midst of all the bad things that are happening to it, ending in a pledge to fix these problems. Similes are abundant here.

"~When your aura was as peaceful as the calming blue seas" (Uwayzor)

This passage caught me, as I can not remember a time where I felt the aura of Earth that was as calming as blue seas. All of our industrialism and commercialism has hurt the calming nature of Earth, and it is our responsibility to get it back. That appears to be the main idea here, "We must acknowledge the damage we have done to this planet, and fix it."

Permalink Reply by Ravine on March 16, 2009 at 2:53pm

I am Ravine. I like "Our Earth" by Joi. The meaning the poem is obvious. It is not difficult to understand. The main idea is to tell people that the appearance of the earth has been changed by them in a bad way. This is not only harmful to people but also to all living things on the earth. It is kind of tell people that it is their duty to do something to help the earth because we are living on this earth.

Permalink Reply by Tiffany Francis on March 16, 2009 at 8:55pm

1. “My Lady” by Damon Childs


When I think of,
My lady
She is so divine,
It amazing

That she's all mine,
My Lady
But there's no time,
It's too late

So what can I do,
To make you stay
And share your love,
Just one more day.


Damon portrays the Earth as a romantic figure in the poem. He communicates his feelings of loss due to the destruction of the environment and of hope for the conservation of the beauty the Earth still holds. The Earth is personified as a beautiful woman, making it easier for an audience to empathize with the author as he likens his relationship with the planet to a love affair. Here, it adds to the intensity of emotion conveyed; a sense of loss but still holding on to hope.


2. Augustine O. Uwayzor
~Times have changed you
~Your appearance, no longer green and serene
~Your tears contaminated with weakening substances,
~Unable to maintain, your rightful beauty
~Unable to perform your daily duties
~But, I can still envision when your glow was as gold as a sun ray
~When your aura was as peaceful as the calming blue seas
~When a breath of fresh air was soothing
~Everyday, you are faced with challenges
~Your mind polluted
~Your thoughts crowded
~Your vision blurred and cloudy, like fog-filled scene
You’ve been deprived, starved gasping for air from depleted oxygen
~Through it all, you are still strong
~Fighting all along
~So, its my destiny
~To get back your gift of purity.

The main idea of Augustine Uwayzor’s poem revolves around the gradual destruction of nature due to human actions. The use of anthropomorphism provides the audience with relatable circumstances. The effects of air pollution are likened to blurred vision and suffocation, allowing readers to physically connect with the plight of the Earth. The author uses a simile to illustrate the beauty radiated by the Earth and, thus, provides a point of contrast with the current state of the world. When the author says “unable to maintain, your rightful beauty,” he is implying that the Earth has lost its subsequently mentioned glow (4). It brings to mind the effects of habitual cigarette smoking on a woman’s appearance.

3. Salieu Bah
The earth is crying for mankind’s help

Mankind, Oh Mankind, My Mind and soul is in pain because you are destroying me.
I am reaching out to you to recycle, use less energy and water.
I am hurting because of your actions
Help protect me so the next generation can have a beautiful environment
Why, Why not protect me for future generation
Nature is suffering
Mankind, you are the only one who can help me survive
Please help by recycling, using less energy and water

Salieu’s poem is narrated from the point of view of the Earth, with the central idea being a plea for help. Writing the poem in the first person allows the reader to experience the depth of desperation that one may assume the Earth would feel if it were a sentient being. Here, anthropomorphism is used to gain empathy from the audience. When the Earth states that its “soul is in pain,” it may evoke feelings of pity or sympathy for the Earth’s situation (1).

Permalink Reply by Marcela on March 16, 2009 at 10:24pm

Joi’s poem “Our Earth” is an interesting poem which describes all the bad things that humans do to this planet. As all the poems on the web page, it is an occasional poem which was written for Earth Day. The rhyme scheme makes the poem easy to read and it conveys the main idea effectively. In addition, the poem uses personification because it gives human abilities to Earth. For example, Joi wrote that “Earth is dying” (15).

Another poem that I really liked was “If a Tree Could Talk” by Nica Duncan. The main idea of this poem is the destruction of our planet. Nica Duncan cleverly uses personification to give voice to different objects in nature, and what they would say to the humans who are destroying it. In addition, metaphors for pollution and extinction are skillfully used in the poem.

I also really enjoyed Tesfaye’s “Kiss the Earth.” It was really easy to read, and it fitted the purpose of celebrating Earth Day. The main point of the poem was to make the reader realize that everything we do influences our environment. It used anaphora in the first few sentences. This set an interesting rhythm to the poem.

Permalink Reply by Damon on March 17, 2009 at 12:39am

1) "What's Important To You" by Joey Presto

The main idea of this poem is to encourage readers to ask themselves that question. Through the use of sarcasm, Joey selectively compares small events with the harsh realities of future events.This helps to strengthen her point about making a change in our habits.

2) "Kiss the Earth"

"Kiss the Earth" is a metaphor for showing the Earth love. Expressing passion and excitement in each line, Tesfaye paints a picture of man enjoying all that the Earth has provide.

3) "Our Earth"

This poem has a constant theme of awareness. Pointing out all of things that mankind has done, as well as explaining some the causes of global warming, and excesive pollution.

Permalink Reply by Samuel Idika on March 17, 2009 at 3:12pm

Chris Leach's poem reminds us about hurrican Katrina, Tsunami, and Earthquakes. The need to save the earth

Nicole Ausberry-Brooks. PRESERVATION. She tries to suggest the things we can do to help save the earth Hybrids and Recycling.

Lina's poem teaches and identifies the things to Recycle, how to Reduce and what to Reuse. Beautifull poem full of thought on how to save the earth.

Permalink Reply by Vincent Sumner on March 17, 2009 at 11:42pm

1. Ayesha Johnson An Earthday Warning

In Ayesha Johnson's poem An Earthday Warning, the poetic intention is to challenge and question the inhabitants of the Earth by showing Her love and care. The voice of the poem seems to be from a social and intellectual stance. For example, "Our Earth cares not about technical advances, it only cares about remaining a planet" (Johnson 5-6). The poet addresses how the Earth does not "live" through technological progress but through human care and love. Imagery is also used in the poem. For instance, "plant a tree every now and then and and cutting off water" (11). One can visualize a tree being planted and people cutting off water when necessary. The conclusion is directed toward the audience and challenges them to do what is best for Mother Earth. "so don't over look her although she stays silent" (13). The planet may not speak to us with a voice but we all can see the damage being done to the Earth.


2. Jeff Le Why We Protect

The main idea in the poem is to express the beauty of the Earth and how we should treasure it through the use of hyperboles, visual imagery, and assonance. Many of us do not close our eyes and try to picture the wonders of the Earth. However, the poet expresses that through the use of hyperboles. For example " Roam the clouds, ride the moon and kiss the earth" (Le 3). One can visualize such beauty that has been expressed in this vivid poem through flying between the clouds and expriencing such visual amazement. The visual imagery is filled with a way of helping the reader feel and reminisce over the aesthetics of the Earth. "Weave through the beauty of wild flowers,
Whiff their fragrances and uplift the petals," (Le 7-8). We all can experience the Earths gifts through our sight and feelings. The conclusion challenges us to prepare the future generations for a healthy home we call Earth. "Sustain our environment for future generations Because we only have one Earth to live" (12-13).

3. Coyan Lewis-Woods True Story: One Man's account of Earth Day

In Coyan Lewis-Woods True Story: One Man's account of Earth Day, the poetic intention is to inform the reader of a fact based story that has a sad tone but also the fatal consequences of the neglect of our Earth. Not only are we destroying the Earth, but we are destroying ourselves. "The strongest person in my family died of Bone Cancer" (Lewis-Woods 8). Due to the hazardous waste being dumbed into our urban areas, many have suffered from deadly diseases and have caused tremendous amounts of pain. Assonance is also used in the poem: "in the bottom was green goo..but, it didn't matter to me,I did what any little boy would do" (Lewis-Woods 3-5).

Permalink Reply by Jeff on March 17, 2009 at 11:44pm

What's Important To You
By Joey
Theme: People always complain about the simple issue, or tend to ignore issues that they think irrelevant to them. But in the other hand, the earth has been destroying by human, but not many show concern. Is the issue of the earth dying an irrelevant/no concern to human even though we are living on that earth?

Niger River
Mody
Theme: We almost forgot how water plays a significant role in our lives. The poem reminds us the importance of fresh water in general, or specifically the importance of Niger river in West Africa. Without water there will be no life. Because of the importance of water, we should protect our water resources.

Literary terms:
-Personification: Niger river is given a life as a person.
-Metaphor: Niger river is compared as a queen with a majestic walk.
-Symbolism: Niger river is a symbol of West Africa.
-Images: Children swimming, merchant boats traveling, wild animal living along the river.

A Mother Pain
Zakiya Francois

The theme of this poem: The author brings up the theme of cause and consequence. All the natural disasters happened that destroyed lives and infrastructures, were the results of human mindless acts for destroying the natural environment.
Literary terms:
-Personification: The earth is portrayed as a mother disciplining her children for wrong doing.
-Image: ocean, sea, river, thunder, lighting.

Permalink Reply by Chris Leach on March 18, 2009 at 1:14am

The poem "Sad Earth" by Kashana uses personification when talking about how the Earth is born and dies just like humans. The poem also talks about how nobody cares and has any sympathy because we are too busy with our personal lives. We are destroying or Earth through pollution and wasting resources. We need saving this world we live in. This poem also has a mellow and informative tone.

• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5