My 11-year-old daughter wrote this poem tonight, thinking about the book that is the read aloud in her classroom, OUT OF MY MIND by Sharon Draper.
out of my mind
a word may seem so ordinary
every step you take is as easy as breathing
each movement moves so easily
well, not for me
a word is a gift
a step can be so special
a movement can be so hard
i unlike other people have a boundary
i can only move if you move me
i have never said a word
each movement takes so much work
for what
a stupid looking movement
that looks like nothing
all my life all i see is pointing
staring laughing
you think i cant hear
but i can
i too have feelings
don’t just focus on what i look like
get to know i’m a normal girl
just like you
"a word is a gift
ReplyDeletea step can be so special
a movement can be so hard"
What an insightful and true poem. Thank you for your words, and too, for introducing our family to this book, now on our "must read" list.
Poems like this change people.
A.
WOW!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful poem in response to a wonderful book... the power of letting children think in response to great reading.
ReplyDeleteTell her it was a lovely poem. So glad you posted it!
WOW! What a great way to respond to a book. Powerful poem! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteWow, that's a beautiful poem. I'm so impressed! I haven't read the book, but now I want to.
ReplyDeleteI love that she wrote this. And I love that you posted it. Thanks for spreading her lovely thoughts.
ReplyDeleteHere is the video we watched as a class today and related to Out of My Mind - very powerful!
http://www.wimp.com/autisticgirl/
What a meaningful reaction, beautifully expressed. I think that Out of My Mind is a book that every middle grade student should read - or experience in the classroom. In my school, I suggested that the male sixth grade teacher use the wonderful audiobook as a class "listen aloud," so that the first-person narration is communicated in an authentic voice. It's made a powerful connection with his students!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Ana. Your poem brings awareness to acceptance of all of us! I haven't read Out Of My Mind, but your response has dangled the carrot. Our world would be so much greater if 'we' did get to know rather than judge what we don't! Blessings and thanks for sharing your thinking!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful poem! Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteFranki, What a wonderful way to celebrate a beloved character. You must be so proud to share your daughter's poem. I love the way she writes from the character's point of view. I can't wait to get my hands on Out of My Mind. Her words reminded of the lines from Amy LV's poem "An Open Book"
ReplyDelete"an open book
will help you find
an open heart
an open mind"
Poems and books are opening my mind and heart too. ~Theresa
Bravo, Bravo, Bravo. And a poet is born!
ReplyDelete1. WOW to the poem.
ReplyDelete2. WOW to the link Karen shared.
3. WOW that Sharon Draper got it so right.
4. WOW that Sharon Draper will be at the 2012 Dublin Literacy Conference! I wonder if we can invite Carly?