1. E.Q. How does a poem mean more than just the literal words in it?
Poetry
E.Q. How does a poem mean more than just the literal words in it?

2. Read the following excerpt
Read the following excerpt. See if you can “figure out” what is being said.
These fancy things will never come in between.
You’re part of my entity, here for infinity.
When the world has dealt its cards
If the hand is hard, together we’ll mend your heart
Because when the sun shines, we’ll shine together…

3. Excerpt continued …told you I’ll be here forever
Said I’ll always be a friend.
Took an oath, I’m (going to) stick it out till the end
Now it’s raining more than ever
know that we’ll still have each other
You can stand under my umbrella.
“Umbrella” by Rihanna

4. Think-Pair-Share
What does an umbrella stand for in this song (which is a type of poem)?
Is the song really about a rain storm?

5. Now read this excerpt Life’s like a road that you travel on
when there’s one day here and the next day gone
Sometimes you bend; sometimes you stand.
Sometimes you turn your back to the wind.
There’s a world outside every darkened door
where blues won’t haunt you anymore
where the brave are free and lovers soar.
Come, ride with me to the distant shore.
We won’t hesitate to break down the garden gate.

6. Excerpt 2 continued There’s not much time left today.
Life is a highway.
I want to ride it all night long.
If you’re going my way,
I want to drive it all night long.
“Life is a Highway” by Rascal Flatts

7. Think-Pair-Share What do you think the highway stands for?
Is this song only about driving?
What does the speaker mean by “sometimes you bend; sometimes you stand”?

8. Read this final excerpt
In this farewell
There’s no blood
There’s no alibi
‘Cause I’ve drawn regret
From the truth
Of a thousand lies.
So let mercy come
And wash away….

9. Final excerpt continued
What I’ve done.
I’ll face myself
To cross out what I’ve become,
Erase myself
And let go of what I’ve done.
“What I’ve Done” by Linkin Park

10. Think-Pair-Share What is meant by “washing away”?
Is this a song about washing up, showering or bathing?
What is meant by “erase myself” do you think?

11. It’s your turn!
Find some appropriate lyrics, either on the internet or from a CD case.
Look for a specific section which seems to stand for something else.
Is there anything else this song is trying to say to the listener?
Don’t just think of the type of music you normally listen to. Have your parents help with looking through their old songs, too.