For their 12th virtual poetry lesson Haugan 8th graders explored the meaning of inspiration. Inspiration involves creativity, as well as motivation to achieve a dream or accomplish a goal. Students mentioned people in their lives who inspired them such as their families, friends, teachers, characters from books or TV shows, and famous celebrities.
Together we read the poem “Haiku For The Sisters,” by Lydia Okutoro. A haiku is a Japanese short three line poem that has a 5/7/5 syllable count pattern. In her poem Okutoro writes a set of haikus to empower women of color. For Shamina: Stand and spread your wings/And your rich cocoa skin/Wear your India. Okutoro wants black and brown women to embrace their unique beauty and cultures while striving to reach their full potentials.
Students wrote their own haiku poems for the people they wish to encourage and inspire. Please enjoy this week’s published poems.
Ms. Thomas 8th Grade
Group 1
Haiku For A Friend
By Celeste L.
Life, a cold winter
But summer will come soon
It will get better
The darkness outside
Makes the moon brightly shine
Shine in the darkness
When a wild storm comes
A rainbow in the sky you’ll see
Keep going with no fear
Haiku For Virus
By Bilal K.
(Covid 19)
In the dim of light
Covid rises from the dark
There is no cure yet
Lockdown is boring
Not doing much, being bored
But I am trying
Trying on a mask
To see if it fits my face
Stay home, stay healthy
Just Do It
Landis V.
do it just do it
don’t let your dreams be a dream
just do it just do it
don’t let you dad or
mom tell you not do it
do it just do it
even if your
poems are based on a meme
do it just do it
Ms. Thomas 8th Grade
Group 2
Haiku for someone who may be going through something
By Junior C.
Hey, you seem tired
Take a break, I’m proud of you
Sit, you’ll be okay
Haiku For My Family
By Kevin C.
(Mom)
Such caring mother
There for me even when sick
One I can talk to
(Dad)
Always working hard
To watch his children grow up
Such joyous privilege
(Sister)
Companionable
Can turn my frown upside down
One of a kind kid
Haiku For Grandma
By Cindy H.
The blurry vision
Your laugh, your smile, the warm hug
Don’t stop smiling ok?
I sometimes forget
When will I get to see you?
Beautiful black dress
I miss you so much…
You can’t miss my 15 birthday
I did not forget…
Ms. Thomas 8th Grade
Group 3
Haiku For People That Live In My House
By Darlin A.
(My ferret)
Is tiny and cute
She is funny and messy
Devil and Angel
(My Mom)
Mom is the boss here
If something dirty we clean
She is happy and mad
(My stepdad)
In charge of the house
Different moods every day
He is kind and rude
(Sister)
Annoying and rude
Looks like an angle but not
She could be kind though
Haiku For Friend
By Dyson J.L.
Time to go outside
Don’t worry, the moon won’t rise
The sun is mighty fine
Maybe hit the gym
Your personal trainer Tim
Or go for a swim
The food is ready
The food is very smelly
The chair is steady
Haiku For 5-year-old sister
By Adriana T.
(Homework)
Homework is a cure,
a remedy for grade 5
It will make you sick.
(Sister)
Don’t cry, pick up tears
use them tears as working sweat
Sweat will make you stink!
(Hard work)
Hard work, tasty soup
A day outdoor is a gift,
See now you’re dirty.
