Rebelx• Show poetry

In grade 7, we had a unit on folk music and poetry.  From that moment on, I knew I loved it.  I remember we had to study Max Ehrmann's Desiderata line-by-line and I couldn't believe so little words (well big words, but not many words!) could have such an affect on the reader.  In grade 8, I remember we had to memorize John McCrae's In Flander's Fields.  I just remember standing in front of the class, being one of the only ones in the clas, able to show emotion in voice while reciting the poem.

English literature was never my strength in high school.  But in grade 10, we had another unit on poetry.  That was my only bright spot, that year.  I did so poorly in school.

I enjoyed listening to the many hip-hop bands of the late 80's when it had really excelled in the music scene.  Classic rock bands like Rush, The Who, and Led Zeppelin really made me listen to their lyrics.  Metal bands like Testament and Metallica really made me pay close attention to the songs in words.

In Grade 13, I studied English in summer school.  I remember the teacher just ripping me apart in front of the class while analyzing some TS Elliot poem.  The guy was a total jerk.  Eventhough I earned my usual C grade, it never stopped me from enjoying poetry to this day.

I like emotive poetry through spoken word, but I do like the occasional fixed, rhyming style.  Some of my poetry have a "hip-hop style" to it.  Other than that, I still consider myself a total beginner.

In closing, I would like to share with you two poems which had a big influence on me to this day:

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Desiderata


Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons,
they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain and bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.


Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs;
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism.


Be yourself.
Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love;
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment
it is as perennial as the grass.


Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.


You are a child of the universe,
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.


Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.


With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.


Max Ehrmann, Desiderata, Copyright 1952.


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In Flanders Fields

By: Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae, MD (1872-1918)
Canadian Army

IN FLANDERS FIELDS the poppies blow
Between the crosses row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.