1. Fifteen by William Stafford
Write about a time when you saw something you had always wanted, but you couldn’t have it. Describe specifically how it felt not to be able to obtain it.
(You have 3 minutes)
Add the last line
I stood there. Fifteen.

2. Read “Fifteen” by William Stafford and Annotate it using TPCASTT
Title: Make predictions from the title. What are your initial thoughts about the poem? What might be the theme of the poem?
Paraphrase: Summarize the poem in your own words. What is literally being said?
Connotation: Locate and label examples of poetic devices: imagery, simile, metaphor, personification, sound devices. What is the connotative meaning of the poem? Is it positive or negative?
Attitude: What attitude does the speaker have toward the subject of the poem? Find and list examples that illustrate the tone and mood of the poem.
Shift: Is there a shift in the tone/attitude of the poem? Where is the shift? What does the tone shift to?
Title: Revisit the title and explain any new insights it provides to the meaning of the poem.
Theme: What is the overall theme of the poem?

3. Discussion Questions What is the story of the poem?
Describe two strong visual and auditory images.
How is the motorcycle personified?
How does the answer to #3 help you understand how the speaker feels about the bike?
What is the effect of repetition?
What is the theme of this poem?

4. Free Write - Connection
Write about a time in your life when you have had to make a mature decision. Explain why it was a significant turning point in your life? OR
Write about a time that you wanted to escape the life you currently have. What holds you back?