Amazing! M was chosen to represent her school in the Middle School Poetry Jam. Twelve area middle schools sent their best poets to share poems they had written. (At her school, all the 6th grade students each presented a newly composed poem in front of a few judges. The judges chose the best poems/student to attend the Poetry Jam). The level of talent and creativity from the students was amazing. It was a treat to listen to their thoughts.
Here is M reciting her poem.
P is for Your Poor Pitiful Pencil
I am not a thing,
I am a pencil- a writing one of course.
I work all day at school
You depend on me.
I write the answers to your test,
still, you depend on me.
When I break my tip,
there’s no sympathy towards me.
Just pain, surging through my wood and graphite.
Then, you put me in the so-called “sharpener”
I thought the “sharpener” was supposed to make you
look good!
But no! Just more pain! Whatever!
Then you just color on me!
What you don’t like the orange or yellow color?
I don’t think so!
Chill!
Then, you think I make all the mistakes?
Well, you just use me to erase your mistakes!
Pushing down as hard as you can.
Squashing my wee little head.
Ow! The pain is unbearable.
Sometimes I feel like your squashing my brain!
Jeez! Find some respect!
At least give me a paper helmet!
I go through enough pain,
that’s why I’m happy to be shaved down to my last
bits,
and thrown away.
Then, I’m useless.
(sighing) But then I want to be your buddy again.
And be responsible I want to be me!
Because I am a pencil not a thing.