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

2. 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…”

3. 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

4. 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.

5. 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”

6. 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”

7. 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”

8. 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”

9. 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?”