For their fifteenth week of poetry. Shoesmith 5th and 6th graders experimented with question poetry. Why do people ask questions? Does every question have to have an answer? Most students thought that people ask questions because they’re curious, need clarity, or want gain new knowledge. We also discussed rhetorical questions, questions that are often asked to emphasis a point or are asked without expecting a clear answer such as “What’s the meaning of life?” “Do aliens exists?” or “What came first? The chicken or the egg?”
Together we read the poem “Loyal,” by Justin S. a 6th grader from Peterson Elementary. In his poem Justin asks questions about friendship and loyalty. Is your bond strong? If they hang out with other friends and not you, is your loyalty broken?” Most students related to Justin’s poem, they too have experienced jealousy, lack of trust, and uncertainty when it comes to friendships. Justin doesn’t offer his readers any answers to his questions, but wants the readers to search for answers within themselves.
Inspired by Justin S. students wrote their own unique question poems. Please enjoy these published poems.
Ms. Yassky’s 5th Grade
Group 1
What is good at Starbucks?
by Grace A.
Is the Rainbow Refresher really rainbow?
Does the Strawberry Fruit Punch drink actually punch?
Why are you so expensive?
Is the pink drink really pink?
Is hot chocolate really made out of chocolate?
Does the Teavana Shaken Iced Passion Tango actually
do the tango?
Are the Starbucks drinks what they say they are?
The Future
by Azaria A.
Why are you so bright?
Why do you surprise me?
Why do you make me happy and sad?
Why do you bring more people in my life?
Why do we have fun?
Why are we here?
WHY Is YOUR NAME FUTURE?
The People In Life
by Misa S.
Who do you look cute for?
Why do you look cute for them?
Is it worth looking cute for them?
If thy go for someone else is that cute?
Would you ignore them for that?
How did me, Aleah, Cloe, and Azaria
become homegirls.
Why is my mama always yelling at me?
Why is sister so bougie?
Why is she so extra?
Hey Captain
by Ah’lani M.
Hey Captain! Is the boat ready?
When its done, can we ride it?
Love so much, can we drive it?
Why is the boat sinking?
Why is the boat on fire?
Why are there sharks attacking us?
Ms. Yassky’s 5th Grade
Group 2
NBA Questions
Oumar K.
I wonder is I’m going to be the best NBA player,
when I make the NBA?
I wonder if I’m gonna make the NBA anyways?
Will I become a millionaire?
Will the NBA league think I’m good?
Will I make the All Star Team?
Will I be the captain of my team?
Will I even get drafted to the NBA?
Will I be the best player on my team?
My Differences and Similarities
By Latrell J.
Do you like me?
Do you hate me?
Do you think I’m cool?
Do you think I’m weird?
Do you think I’m smart?
Do you think I’m dumb?
Do you think I’m the same?
Do you think I’m unique?
Do you think I’m cute?
Do yo think I’m ugly?
Do you think I’m a winner?
Do you think I’m a loser?
Dear 2032
By Marcus T.
Dear 2032,
Could I buy Shoesmith in 2032?
Will cars fly in 2032?
Could I be in the NFL in 2032?
Will rain be chocolate in 2032?
Will I have the same friends in 2032?
Can I be rich in 2032?
Will my mom still be with me in 2032?
Will I find love in 2032?
Ms. Henry’s 6th Grade
Group 1
Are You Real Pinocchio?
by Dalana G.
Are you human?
Are you legs real?
Is your nose, ears, heart, lips,
feet, or arms real?
Are you sure you are real?
What if you are not?
What would the people say?
Why do you think you are
a real boy?
Are you real?
Are you sure you are real?
Ms. V Questions
By Giselle J.A.
Where were you at?
Why are you talking back?
Do you want to go to Gate’s office?
Why do ya’ll act like this?
Do ya’ll always have to respond?
can ya’ll BE QUIET?
Find ya’ll seat or you want to tell Gates you
find it?
Can ya’ll act right? We got 5 weeks left.
Where were you at?
Ocean Creatures
By Miracle M.
What do you think about?
Do ya’ll know ya’ll in water?
Dolphins, how long can you hold
your breath underwater?
Octopus, does it hurt when you
lose tentacles?
Starfish, do you get scared or when people
pick you up? Or mad?
Sharks, do you wish people would see
you as not a predator?
Who Are You?
by Lawrence T.
Who are you?
Why aren’t you being you?
Do you not like being you?
Are you afraid that your friends won’t
like the real you?
Why are you scared?
Ms. Henry’s 6th Grade
Group 2
Hi
By Micheal B.
What’s your favorite color? Mine is red.
Do you like school? or staying in bed?
What’s your favorite game?
and what brings you shame?
What’s your favorite song?
Is your favorite movie King Kong?
What’s your favorite holiday?
How much do you get for pay?
When you dance do you sway your hips?
Can you join my friendship?
How Can I fit In?
By Jamylah B.
How can I fit in?
why do you want to fit in?
Do you have homies?
Do you need them?
Are they fake?
Do they love you?
Do they hate you?
Are they real?
Love
By Aboubacar K.
Who do you love?
Why do you love him?
Is your love strong?
If they hangout with another girl,
is your love and trust broken?
Do you ignore him if he breaks
your heart and trust?
Do you pretend your having fun
without him?
Do you pretend he does not exist?
Do you hangout with other boys
to make him jealous?
Would You Rather?
By Ophelia H.S.
Would you rather be sad or rich,
or poor and happy?
Would you rather live a short, happy life,
or a long, sad life?
Would you rather have a lot of okay friends,
or 1 very good friend?
Would you rather save a beloved family member
or friend, or yourself first?
Would you rather work to please yourself,
or work to impress other people?
Would you rather try to change yourself,
or be yourself and risk getting bulled?
Would you rather be top of something easy,
or fail at something hard?
Would you rather give up in something hard, to do
something easy, or push through something hard,
even if it costs you?
Who would you rather be?
