Students wrote memory list poems based on Joy Harjo’s poem, ‘Remember’.
Lesson Note: Harjo’s work is often autobiographical, informed by the natural world, and above all preoccupied with survival and the limitations of language.
“I feel strongly that I have a responsibility to all the sources that I am: to all past and future ancestors, to my home country, to all places that I touch down on and that are myself, to all voices, all women, all of my tribe, all people, all earth, and beyond that to all beginnings and endings. In a strange kind of sense [writing] frees me to believe in myself, to be able to speak, to have a voice, because I have to; it is my survival.” -Joy Harjo.
Ms. Romano, 7th Grade
Remember that…
by Mar’Kayla M.
Remember that you are beautiful the way you are, and you
don’t have to change a thing about yourself. Remember
that you are strong, and you can move
mountains. Remember that you can be whatever you want
to be when you put your mind to it. Rmember that
you’re smart and bold. Remember
that you’re POWERFUL. You will be remembered for making
a difference in the world.
Remember
by Danniya E.
Remember you come from strong women
Remember that you are bold and brave
Remember that you are black
Remember that Black Lives Matter
Remember that fights broke out
Remember all the fun times
Remember that we siblings would argue
I want to be remembered for making a difference
But I also wanted to be remembered for helping others
I really want to be remembered for making a change in society.
Mrs. Turner, 6th Grade
Remember
by Katie
Remember you are smart
you are also important you
should remember that
you are loved around the world.
Remember you are yourself
and you are cool
I want to be remembered by
friends and family
but I want to be remembered
for doing what I do best.
Remember those Memories
by Armancy S.
Remember that we played
together. We ate together
and laughed together. Those
memories are wonderful and
generous. We planned our summer
list together. Memories. Memories
we had a lot of memories.
Don’t be afraid to remember
your memories. Remember that
we both learned to say mama
and dada together. We tried new
things together. Those memories were
joyful and laughing memories.
Memories we had a lot of memories.
Don’t be afraid to remember your
memories.
Ms. Romano, 7th Grade
Remember
by Ahmari W.
I will always remember that I am
strong. I will always remember that
I am loved. I will always remember
that I am always confident. I will
remember that you owe me chips. I
want to be remembered as a loving
person. However, I also want to be
remembered for playing sports. But I
really wanted to be remembered for playing
football.
Remember
by Lyric W.
Remember you are beautiful, remember that you’re loved, remember
that you’re confident, remember that you’re worthy, remember
that you’re strong. I want to be remembered as the most
loving person, but I also want to be remembered for being
funny. I really want to be remembered for always being
there for others.
Mrs. Turner, 6th Grade
Remembered
by Ayana N.
Remember you are you
Remember that you wanted to be someone
else
Remember that there is only one
of you
Remember no one can ever change you
from being you
Remember that you thought
you wasn’t good enough
I want to be remembered as the
random girl
But I also want to be remembered
for being me.
I really want to be remembered
for who I am.
Love Memories
by Jas’Alean M.
Remember you are loved
Remember you and your mom matched
Remember that you had Friday Family Movie Night
Remember that you saw your best friend after 2 years
Remember that love is free
I want to be remembered as the girl who
has and gives love
but I also want to be remembered for
the things I did to show my love.
