An introductory activity A freestyle poem I Am Poem An introductory activity A freestyle poem

This is a guided poetry assignment Instructions This is a guided poetry assignment Ignore basic grammar rules There will be four stanzas Stanza will have four lines Stanzas have unique categories Every stanza begins with “I am…”

Instructions You will be asked to Think back and reflect Paint a picture with words Include: sight, smell, taste, sound, touch Use vivid words where possible

Instructions Stanza #1 FOOD Reflect on four memorable foods Who was associated with these foods? Where did you encounter them? Example of a line for Stanza #1: A smooth butter and sugar sandwich made on soft Wonder Bread and shared with a father old enough to be my granddaddy.

NOTE: Only the first line begins with “I am” Write Stanza #1 - FOOD FORMAT I AM a smooth butter and sugar sandwich made on soft Wonder Bread and shared with a father old enough to be my granddaddy. Second line Third line Fourth line NOTE: Only the first line begins with “I am”

NOTE: Only the first line begins with “I am” Write Stanza #2 - PLACES FORMAT I AM a musty basement where loved ones seek shelter from life-threatening tornadoes during a violent spring storm. Second line Third line Fourth line NOTE: Only the first line begins with “I am”

NOTE: Only the first line begins with “I am” Write Stanza #3 - PEOPLE FORMAT I AM a withered old Italian man who’s forgotten the recipe for his famous rosehip wine and spicy Sicilian marinara sauce. Second line Third line Fourth line NOTE: Only the first line begins with “I am”

NOTE: Only the first line begins with “I am” Write Stanza #4 on WORDS FORMAT I AM “Do not walk across my mind with your dirty feet.” Second line Third line Fourth line NOTE: Only the first line begins with “I am”

WHAT DOES THIS ACTIVITY HAVE TO DO WITH HUMAN SLAVERY? YOU’LL DISCOVER THAT SOON. ASK YOURSELF, “AM I BRAVE ENOUGH TO SHARE MY POEM?”