First Version of you "I was raised by ..." poem

Write the first draft of your "I was raised by..." poem

Brainstorming for your "I was raised by..."

Brainstorm the question "Who were you raised by?" Think about mother, father, coaches, neighbors, neighborhoods, musicians, teachers, or I'M READY.

For each person or thing that raised, add creative details using adjectives, verbs, and dialogue. Be as specific as possible.

What repeating line will you use? Here are some examples: raised by, brought up by, educated, or nurtured.

"Raised" by Anaiah Rhodes

Read the poem and answer the following questions

Raised

by Anaiah Rhodes

I was raised by a lovin'

Church goin', home cookin', belt whoppin'

Non-stop children bearn'

Money arguin'

"You're going to be something great one day,"

Mom and Dad

I was raised by a Jesus lovin', behind tearin'

Bomb cookin', hair pressin, garage sale givin'

Grandma

A politic lovin', money givin', pipe puffin'

Fish fryin', Cadillac whippin', wine sippin'

"Study hard now!"

Grandpa

***

Questions:

1. What parts of this poem do you like?
2. In what ways, does the poet use repetition in the poem?
3. How does the poet use details?
4. How does this detail enhance the poem as oppose to just saying "I was raised by my grandfather" and that's it?

"Raised by Women" by Kelly Norman Ellis

Kelly Norman Ellis's poem, "Raised by Women," celebrates the women in her life and her use of home language. In each stanza, Ellis lists the different kinds of women who raised her using a repeating but changing pattern. Play close attention to her use of detail and dialogue.

Press on the link below to view the "Raised by Women" video clip:

http://coalblackvoices.com/poets/kelly/video.html

After reading and viewing Ellis's poem, what is your opinion about the poem? What did you like/don't like about the poem? What kind of specific details does Ellis include? *Write five sentences or more*

What inspires POETS and their POETRY?

As a poet, list 10 things (events, people, objects, animals, etc.) that inspire your poetry. Be sure to briefly explain how each influence.