Anions

Anions suck. Chemistry, too.
Why, and who, who, who, who?
would make a busy teenage person
memorize a list of 42?

They cannot stick, nor stay,
And if I could have my own way,
I'd tear that horrific page right of the book,
and skip class on the upcoming, fatal day.

Alas, no. This option is not,
an ideal plan which I have thought.
It seems I am stuck, no choice may I have,
I must memorize and study the boring lot.

But my mind travels elsewhere, never here to stay,
it seems I will fail, on that upcoming, test day.

Shadow

I stopped
I stared
There was something there

I glanced
I thought
I decided on naught

He saw
He left
He paid a debt

She closed
Her eyes
and tried to smile

They passed
right by
and without a sigh

It sank
back into
the un-
lived
life

flarf from songs

and I was like

hey soul sister

i'm still awake

i'm finding out loves unreliable

think of me

in the light of the sun

chasing the years of my life

do you believe it?

Music

The music filled the room like water poured into a glass. Slowly and smoothly, fitting together without creases or overlaps. Moving as one body. The notes meshed like particles, so tightly, smoothly, and serenely, that the awed crowd drank in the life of the sound. But it was more than a sound. It was a feeling. A being. It came alive, and danced around the heavily decorated room, dim and romantic. It brightened each corner. It lifted the hair off of the backs of necks, and crept along, creating Goosebumps, along arms. Not only passing by the group as one, but to and into each individual. Becoming a meaning, importance, an idea for each one. Becoming so different as it seeped into the very souls of the listeners, yet developing into a whole, a one, a universal meaning.

Mother's Day Poem :)

"For My Mother"

There is something sweet in the way she goes,

smelling always as a crisp, sweet rose.

Her perfume seeps into my very soul

keeping me always safe and whole.

Her soft carres, soft, light glance,

the way she frowns and keeps her stance.

The loving way she says "its best,"

and the knowing and firm "the rest."

There is something in the way she goes,

and how she always, always knows.

Her food the best and words the most,

always and forever, my first host.

Indebted and in awe I say

There is something sweet in her way.

Timed Writing 2010, Form B: Open Ended

2010, Form B.

"You can leave home all you want, but home will never leave you." --Sonsyrea Tate
Sonsyrea Tate's statement suggests that "home" may be conceived of as a dwelling, a place, or astate of mind. It may have positive or negative associations, but in either case, it may have a considerable influence on an individual. Choose a novel or play in which a central character leaves home yet finds that home remains significant. Write a well-developed essy in which you analyze the importance of "home" to this character and the reasons for its continuing influence. Explain how the character's idea of home illuminates the larger meaning of the work. Do not merely summarize the plot.
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Home is where morals, character, and attitude are developed and created. Life begins in the home, and participation in a community begins, as well. Therefore, the home is not just a house, but also a state-of-mind which will affect someone's actions and thoughts. In Jane Austen's novel Pride and Prejudice, Elizabeth Bennet is depicted as wanting to leave her home, and is disgraced by the other members. However, it turns out that even through her embarassment and social upheaval, caused by those in her home, she still returns, and holds it in regard. Through Elizabeth Bennet, Austen is able to express the idea that home will always have an affect on actions and identity.

First of all, the need to be rid of her home for a while leads her to take a trip away. Yet while touring the country with her aunt and uncle she still is connected with those people close to her, living at home. Therefore she is still involved in the goingons and important actions of her community. This shows that even while away from home, one still feels a connection to the people there, enough to communicate and care about what takes place.

While away from home, Elizabeth is able to grow and experience different situations, evolving her character and attitude. However, she still keeps certain morals and thoughts the same, inherited from her home. For example, her father taught her to be amused with things which seemed unpleasant, or were annoying to others, therefore she was able to "laugh" at almost anything, even herself and her own shortcomings.

The importance of leaving her home is that she returns to it: the same, yet different person. Same, because her identity has not changed. These are her people, this is were she is from, this is where she belongs. Yet at the same time, she has gained experience from her travels, using lessons taught from home to guide her. For example, the way in which she deals civily with people, and the importance of appearance maintains its status as a priority in her actions.

Therefore, Austen supports Sonsyrea Tate's statement that although one leaves their home, it maintain's its presence in your being and essence. However, at the same time, Austen also shows that time away from home can develop the foundational substance provided, creating a better rounded and more complete and experienced being.

Studying: Literary Terms

-FROM THE PACKET-
Aesthetic: appealing to the senses
Allusion: reference to another work or famous figure
Analogy: a comparison
Antihero: protagonist with markedly unheroic characteristics
Assonance: the repeated use of vowel sounds
Bombast: pretentious exaggeratedly learned language
Cacophoney: deliberately harsh, awkward sounds
Cadence: beat of poetry in general sense
Coinage: invention of a new word
Catharsis: "cleansing" emotion audience experiences
Canto: name for a section division in a long work of poetry
Dirge: a song for the dead
Epitaph: lines that commemorate the deat at their burial place
Euphony: when sounds blend harmoniously
Foil: secondary character who is there to highlight the characteristics of the main character (usually by contrast)
In medias res: beginning in the middle (The Odyssey)
Inversion: switching around words' places in a sentence on purpose
Lampoon: a satire
Metonym: word which stands for something else (50 cows 50 HEAD of cattle)
Oxymoron: phrase composed of opposites, contradictions (moron-sentence confused, ox)
Paradox: situation which contradicts itself (P-place ox )
Pastoral: poem with tranquil nature
Plaint: a poem or speech expressing sorrow
Pun: usually humorous use of a word in such a way to suggest two or more meanings
Rquiem: song for the dead
Satire: consists of hyperbole, target, irony, absurdity
Travesty: grotesque parody
Zeugma: The use of a word to modify two or more words, but used for different meanings (he closed the door and his heart on his lost love)

Timed Writing Practice 2001

Timed Writing Practice AP Literature Exam 2001

Compare and Contrast "London" by William Wordsworth and "Douglass" by Paul Laurence Dunbar

In the poems "London" by William Wordsworth and "Douglass" by Paul Laurence Dunbar, the two poets both encorporate allusions into their poems. The reason for which they write is to lament about the current conditions of their home country and to praise the identified poet. Therefore, they both take on a laudatory tone. Both Wordsworth and Dunbar express their chosen poet as a hero, guide, and comforter. Yet, the two poets depict their country in similar disaray. Wordsworth portrays a "selfish" and "unhappy" community while, of a similar nature, Dunbar expresses "battle" and "dissension." They both distinguish the creator of the havoc as "we" as opposed to "they;" therefore, they include themselves in the unpleasant circumstances.

First of all, Wordsworth and Dunbar idolize a certain poet, or writer. For Wordsworth, he praises "Milton" as a "Star" which "dwelt apart" alluding to the fact that he was a higher ranking being than his counterparts. "Milton's" "voice" is connected to the "sea," portraying it as powerful, majestic, and of a different nature than simple humans. Wordsworth describes "Milton" with the help of images of nature such as the "sea" and "star" in order to show a somewhat "godliness" and separate being from the "selfish men."

On the other hand, Dunbar encorporates nature into his description of "Douglass" in a way which expresses his ability to tame it in a way. The "voice" "o'er the storm" implies it is more powerful. "Thy strong arm to guide the shivering bark" alludes that he is more steadfast than trees. This different take on nature creates an awe, since nature is generally described as something more spiritual than humans.

Furthermore, the way in which the two writer's depict the state of their countries is also significant. Wordsworth identifies "this hour" as in "need of" "Milton" because of the swamp like state it is found in. The land is possesed by "selfish men" who need to be "raise[d] up" and retaught. This description takes on the necessity of a savior, to build up the swamp like land: reinforce morals.

Similarly, Dunbar describes the "evil days" his country finds itself. An "awful tide" now "battles to and fro," a "tempest" and "waves of swift dissension swarm." Dunbar calls on "Douglass" as a "guide" and leader, a strong captain to lead the ship in an "awful tide" and "tempest of dispraise."

These two poems objectively discuss their situation, and discuss the needed person. While they both praise their writer-idol, the way in which they encorporate nature is slightly different. The importance of nature takes on a different purpose. While Wordsworth depicts nature as something inhuman, and above humanity, Dunbar portrays nature as something needing to be tamed.

Timed Writing #7 "De Fiel' Pretty? It Couldn't Less 'An Dat"

In Claude McKay's peom "De Fiel' Pretty? It Couldn't Less 'An Dat," the encorporation of love for work and the beauty of the product creates an innocent and honest way of life. Because of the simple way of writing, and the way McKay writes as if the speaker were actually speaking, it adds to the idea that the speaker is a poor and uneducated farmer, passionate about his work. Through the two stanzas, the reader can infer that McKay criticizes the "you" and idolizes the "we."

The first stanza opens with a question, which speaks directly to the reader, as if they had asked a question to begin the dialogue. "De fiel' pretty?" the speaker asks. The slightly offended and shocked tone at this creates a feeling of honest pride in the work the speaker has done. Yet, by not taking all of the credit for the "fat" land, and by saying "we wuk" and "we dig," the speaker shows with what sincere care his community takes care of the land, in order to produce the "petater." It "mus' look fine" because of their hard work, because they work to "dig de row dem eben in a line, An' keep it clean."

The second stanza makes the reader feel petty, by only "tas'e petater" and merely saying it is "sweet." Obviously "you no know how hard we wuk fe it." Just because the "you" or the reader might be educated, and skilled, with world experience and an occupation which provides money, doesn't mean that they know the first thing about taking care of a "fiel'." The speaker avoids complaining by stating that the "hardships always melt away" whenever it "come roun' to reapin' day." This depicts their joy and happiness, finding that it was worth the hard work in order to produce a "lan'" which is "fat." The enjambent of the last line adds to its importance, creating an even more meaninful line, alluding to the farmers' excitement for "reapin' day."

This poem expresses the enjoyment of hard, and honest work. It may not produce much profit or allow the workers to become rich, but McKay portrays them as happy and thankeful for their "fiel'." By doing this, McKay creates an idolization of the workers with their happy and wholesome attitude of working together in order to produce something out of the eath.

Timed Writing #6 Spunk

It is quite common for the human race to discuss anything and everything going on around them, or merely in their world. The act of sharing information, and analyzing thoughts of others is often seen as gossiping, especially when it occurs behind somone's back, or about a particular action looked down upon by society. In Hurston's short story Spunk, the story is related in such a way, which makes the readers "mirror her gossiping crowd." The absurdity which weaves its way into the story, along with an over exxageration of the "gossiping crowd" allows the reader to accept Spunk as satirical.

First of all, the way in which the gossiping crowd is exagerated creates a hyperbole similar to many other satires. When Hurston writes "all the loungers in the store tried to walk to the door," this creates a humorous depiction of a simultaneous action made by everyone. Also, because the group merely stands by, adding commentary, but not taking part in any of the action, it adds to the overall ridiculousness of the events. Especially so, because they are men, who are usually less gossipers than women. Their curiousity concerning the "affairs" of Joe, Spunk, and Joe's wife allows the reader to understand what is occurring, and at the same time brings the reader into their conversation and group, almost to a point where the reader is participating in the gossip.

Also, the way in which the group idolizes Joe after he is dead, even though they basically labeled him as cowardly beforehand, adds to the absurdity of the ongoings. Then, the account that Spunk was seeing Joe's ghost, that the saw was "wobblin'" and that someone "pushed" him, foreshadows the death of Spunk: either by superstitious thoughts and paranoia, or by the actual ghost of Joe. Because the gossiping crowd seems so scared of going to see Spunk, it implies that they believe he did die from Joe's ghost.

The irony weaved through the story adds to the overall satirical piece. The way in which the gossipers allude to Joe dying by Spunk's gun, and then denying he would shoot an unarmed man, is ironic because their prediction eventually came true. It is also ironic that almost directly after becoming married, Spunk died.

The obvious target in this story includes the gossipers, and the participants of their focus. However, although the reader may criticize the adulterer and murderer, it can be concluded that Hurston really wanted to criticize the gossipers and the reader, because of their quick judgement and free reign of thoughts about the story taking place.

Therefore, because of the presence of absurdity, hyperbole, target, and irony, it becomes clear that Spunk was written satirically.

Timed Writing #5 "A Very Short Story"

Many young men traveled to the United States of America in order to seek new opportunities, with a hope of someday establishing a family and prestige in their new home. In Ernest Hemingway's short story "A Very Short Story," a sarchastic tone is used in order to express the absurdity of a romanticized idea, and its eventual outcome. The two characters, Luz and the unidentified "he" experience a "boy and girl love" as identified by Luz. The exxageration of their love and the ironic way in which their "love" ends, after declaring they felt "married" leads to the identification of this piece as satirical.

First of all, the way in which the two are first described takes on a naive and childish depiction. Their want for "everyone to know about" their marriage questions their actual commitment to oneanother. It is absurd for two people to want to be married for the sole purpose of general knowledge. Also, Hemingway wrote that they wanted to marry "to make it so they could not lose it." Ironicly enough, they do end up losing "it" in the end.

Although they felt "as though they were married," Luz "expected, absolutely unexpectedly, to be married in the spring" to a "major." The way Luz disregards her former lover is an exxageration of her naiive self. She thinks that someone will propose in such a short time. It is also ironic that the major ended up "not" marrying "her in the spring." The use of acount of such happenings targets those who have love, and throw it away for someone else, who does not love them in return. Also, Hemingway targets persons who sleep with mulitple people, and fancy themselves in love.

The situation of the "he" is also absurd. When Luz writes to him, knowing "he would probably not be able to understand," it turns out he is also engaging in sexual pleasures. The absurdity of his contraction of "gonorrhea" adds to the over all theme, and slightly tragic ending. The telling of their sluty behaviour is exaggerated with certain details such as "while riding in a taxicab."

In conclusion, Hemingway's piece contains details which form a satire. The way in which he encorporates absurdity, hyperbole, irony, and a target allows the audience to discern his sarcastic tone, and the two characters as representatives of frequent stories.

Timed writing #4 "Dis Poem"

Mutabaruka creates an outlet, "revolt," "story" and mantra through his work, "Dis Poem". Through the objective writing, and uneducated sounding way of speaking, the speaker is automatically classified. The slightly rambling African words (or at least assumed African words) become a sort of jumble of sounds, meaning nothing inparticular, yet at the same time expressing the identity of the speaker and a sort of hidden intelligence. The speaker knows what he is writing about, even if the audience does not.

First of all, the speaker classifies the poem over and over again. It "shall say nothin new," it "shall speak of time," it is "vex/about apartheid/racism/fascism..." and it goes on and on. The identification of the poem's being not only creates a mantra which sticks, but also depicts an idea that it is everything: anything surpressed victims have faced. The encorporation of "knives...bombs...guns..." also adds to the distinct human feature of turning to violence, especially when uneducated, deprived, surpressed, and abused.

Also, the clarification that the poem will "not be quoted by politicians" creates a feeling that they don't care about what is going on concerning the speaker's situation and topic. Yet, the idea that the poem needs to be changed relates directly with the situation of the victims alluded to. However, the speaker states outright that the "poem will not change things." Mutabaruka expresses that words will not change anything, as much as things need changing. That the "poem is the rebirth of a people arising...awaking...overstanding." This portrays the feelings of rally speech, in order to keep people's hopes up for an actual change, a possibility for better conditions, away from "the klu klux klan/ riots in brixton/ jim jones" etc.

The referred "time" "continue[s]" the poem not letting it "stop." The identification of "time" brings to mind past, present, and future events. Mutabaruka seems to know that conditions were bad, are bad, but there is always the future to look forward to, the future to affect, and change for the good. Once again, rallying a crowd to look forward, and strive for the best.

Yet, because the poem is "still not written" and does not have a "poet," the speaker alludes to the fact that the poem is "still not written" because they, the audience, has not chosen the right words, and needs to create it out of their own heads, they need to take the initiative, and act. The listed sources of information directs thoughts toward education, intelligence, and worldly knowledge.

The way in which Mutabaruka puts the poem down by calling it "boring/stupid/senseless" prepares the future writers for the setbacks to come. And finally, ends in a mantra, "in your mind..." in order for it to stick there, and to keep thinking about all that it said. To play with the order of words, thoughts and ideas. It makes you want to know more about what would be said, and the reader then realizes that the 'they' and the 'audience' was really themselves, that they are supposed to write the poem, and act.

Not sure how I did. I really tried to analyze it well, and encorporate different literary ideas...
(favorite poem. Ever).

Timed Writing #3 "Sky Love Earth"

In Patricia Grace's poem "Sky Love Earth," the speaker creates a connection between a mother's love for her child and nature. The poem is written in a sing-song, childish manner, bringing to mind a lullaby. However, the concluding stanza questions the created analogy, and turns the nonchalant tone into a disdainful cry.

First, the way in which the lines are written, grammatically incorrect and with few words, brings to mind the way a mother sings to her child. "Sky love earth/ shine light/ fall rai-ai-ain:" these sound like versus of a lullaby. Therefore, the image of a mother is first created, and then clarified with the line "turn breast". Yet, the depiction of nature with words such as "sky," "earth," and "rai-ai-ain" becomes juxtaposed with the portrayal of a mother feeding her baby. Therefore, it can be conclude that an analogy is being made between the caring nature of a mother and her baby and nature itself. While "rain" can be interpreted as tears, or sadness, it could also be interpreted as the pain which comes with bearing a child. The pain which every mother feels, a way of sacrificing, for her coming child.

The "light" which "shine[s]" in the first stanza could be the hopes, dreams, and wishes of the new mother. She has made plans for her child and for herself. Yet in the second stanza, the "child/ steal[s the] light" and "turn[s] away rai-ai-ain." While the occupational thoughts which posses each mother take away her initial dreams and hopes for the future, the sole presence of her child "turn[s] away" sadness. Therefore, Grace supports the idea of a sacrificial yet benefitting mother, in the way which they throw themselves into the care of their baby.
Yet, a "sword" is "thrust" "into" the "ea-ea-earth." The placement of this line directly in the middle of the poem not only signifies the middle of a woman, where she carries her child, but also the process in which a child becomes cut off from his mother, and must go out into the world alone. Also, the extent of a mother's love is so great, that she would gladly kill herself in order to save her child. Therefore the allusion to death with the help of the "sword" supports the pain which love can afflict.

The final stanza concludes the poem, with a disdainful image: a mother bleeding, trying to save her child, to no avail. The word "bleed" not necessarily is used literally. "Bleed" could signify sorrow, or unimaginable and intangible pain. The fact that the "child" at the end of the poem is "already dead" not only shocks the reader, who began the poem thinking nonchallantly, but also creates an anticlimax, slightyl ironic since the mother possesed so many dreams for the future of her child.

The encorporation of nature into the poem juxtaposes a mother's love and the role of nature. The line "sky love earth" could mean that whoever lives in the heavens loves those beings on earth. The "rai-ai-ain" which "fall[s]" nurtures and hydrates all those who live on earth, likewise, a mother's milk is the sole nurishment which a child receives, and depends on. The beings on earth "steal" from nature: the production of harmful gases, the possesion of land, the destroying of forests, animals... and likewise, a child takes time from his mother, hopes, dreams...
This poem asks indirectly why a mother loves her child so much to "bleed" for him, if he will just be "dead" anyway.

not well enough developed. try to get a more tangible idea before writing. organize a bit better. use more literary elements, and terms.