Introduction to Poetry
By Billy Collins
I read through the list of poems that Nelson put up. But this one stood out to me.
Maybe it is because I remember this from Sophomore year and it brought me good memories.
Or just because I want to teach English, and the idea of an "Introduction to Poetry" sounds cool to me.
But I think that the real reason that this poem pushes it's way to the top, of not only of the poetry 180 list of the Library of Congress,
Its that it makes me want to write a poem even better then that one.
"But all they want to do
is tie the poem to a chair with rope
and torture a confession out of it."
I remember watching that in 9th and 11th Grades.
I felt bad for the poem.
I felt bad for the author.
Billy Collins shuts the mouths of teachers who believe that God had revealed to them what the meaning of every poem, narrative, or just anything in general.
I'm jealous because I want to do that.
Blow the away the minds of those who have built indestructible walls who won't break down.
"I want them to water ski
across the surface of a poem
waving at the author's name on the shore."
This poem is absolutely mind-blowing.
Billy Collins created something that can blow a seventeen year old Seniors mind.
Now I want to create something that is gonna be a tornado in every single teacher's Kansas.
Billy Collins has become Superman.
I want to fly too.
Monday, December 19, 2011
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Unleash the Fire
This is for the girl who makes herself throw up every night.
Because she thinks she is fat.
This is for the perfect friends who seem to rule the world.
They don't.
All people have problems. Even the perfect people. Unleash the Fire.
This is for the Grandma's who make calendars for the families who won't use them.
This is the gamer who plays Skyrim all day because he is scared to talk to girls.
This is for the guy who acts a smart aleck who hates being the third wheel on the date.
Always trying to avoid any physical contact with anyone. Unleash the Fire.
This is for the server at ihop who looks like the bad guy from Prince of Persia.
Smoking is gonna kill ya. Don't Unleash the Fire on that one.
This is for the mentally handicapped kid who can't process the word "retard" when his father screams at him
He may not understand the words, but he understands the emotion.
This is for the girl who plays the piano for the pit.
You are pretty talented. And pretty attractive too.
Unleash the Fire with those keys.
When it all comes down to the final moments in events.
Last five seconds on the clock of the Chicago Bulls Game,
That last monologue given by Horatio in a High School Play.
That last keystroke before someone gets addicted to filth.
Before the end of any purity or upholding a moral code.
There are those last moments.
You have two choices.
Hold back the dam.
Or burn the wall to the ground.
And let all that water rush out.
Choice is yours.
This is for all of you who can choose.
To hold back.
Or Unleash the Fire.
Because she thinks she is fat.
This is for the perfect friends who seem to rule the world.
They don't.
All people have problems. Even the perfect people. Unleash the Fire.
This is for the Grandma's who make calendars for the families who won't use them.
This is the gamer who plays Skyrim all day because he is scared to talk to girls.
This is for the guy who acts a smart aleck who hates being the third wheel on the date.
Always trying to avoid any physical contact with anyone. Unleash the Fire.
This is for the server at ihop who looks like the bad guy from Prince of Persia.
Smoking is gonna kill ya. Don't Unleash the Fire on that one.
This is for the mentally handicapped kid who can't process the word "retard" when his father screams at him
He may not understand the words, but he understands the emotion.
This is for the girl who plays the piano for the pit.
You are pretty talented. And pretty attractive too.
Unleash the Fire with those keys.
When it all comes down to the final moments in events.
Last five seconds on the clock of the Chicago Bulls Game,
That last monologue given by Horatio in a High School Play.
That last keystroke before someone gets addicted to filth.
Before the end of any purity or upholding a moral code.
There are those last moments.
You have two choices.
Hold back the dam.
Or burn the wall to the ground.
And let all that water rush out.
Choice is yours.
This is for all of you who can choose.
To hold back.
Or Unleash the Fire.
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Reading Charlie St. Cloud
I really like to read.
But I keep forgetting that I do like to read.
And when I do read, I'm not in Utah anymore.
I'm in Marblehead, Massachusetts watching Charlie St. Cloud and Tess dancing in the cemetery.
Or crying with Robinson Crusoe as he begs God forgiveness.
When will we own ourselves completely?
Be true to what we always thought we were.
But reading changes that.
You don't just see yourself as one person.
You see what else you are.
Or at least what you could be.
I close the book that took me two days to read.
And tonight is not the last time I'll see the light.
But I keep forgetting that I do like to read.
And when I do read, I'm not in Utah anymore.
I'm in Marblehead, Massachusetts watching Charlie St. Cloud and Tess dancing in the cemetery.
Or crying with Robinson Crusoe as he begs God forgiveness.
When will we own ourselves completely?
Be true to what we always thought we were.
But reading changes that.
You don't just see yourself as one person.
You see what else you are.
Or at least what you could be.
I close the book that took me two days to read.
And tonight is not the last time I'll see the light.
Monday, November 28, 2011
One Step Closer
Charlie has lived in his perfect society. High School has treated him well. He has the friends he has always wanted, the girlfriend of his dreams, and he going to college on a football scholarship. Nothing can ruin his bright future. But an accident destroys everything he has.
Now Charlie is paralyzed from the waist down. It all seems over now. At least until Charlie meets Greg. Greg is his new physical therapist who is helping in whatever way he can. Greg was also once paralyzed. He now is trying to help Charlie learn to walk again. Greg decides the best way for Charlie to overcome his dilemma is to get him on to college.
Now at the University of Utah, Charlie must rely on his head to get him through his trials in life instead of his body. He now tries to learn how to become an author. But with uncaring professors and plenty of competition, Charlie seems all alone. He is backed up by his best friends. And the girl of his dreams still loves him.
Charlie just can't seem to progress in his movement of his legs. And school is getting so hard that he can't take it. His friends rally around him and even Greg stays by his side. But Charlie is ready to give it all up. Seeing no reason to live, Charlie attempts suicide. But at the last minute, he remembers the words of an old playwright he has once studied. "How far that little candle throws his beams! So shines a good deed in a weary world."
All the good that has been done to Charlie is about to be thrown away.
Charlie recommits to his goal and continues working on his school work and physical therapy. Now is the ultimate test to take. After four years of school and painful therapy, he must now try to walk to receive his diploma. But after much work, Charlie walks again. He graduates as a writer and marries the girl of his dreams.
Hero-Charlie
Mentor-Greg
Threshold Guardian-School work
Herald-University Professors
Shape shifter- Pain and Stress
Shadow-Charlie
Trickster-Charlie
Now Charlie is paralyzed from the waist down. It all seems over now. At least until Charlie meets Greg. Greg is his new physical therapist who is helping in whatever way he can. Greg was also once paralyzed. He now is trying to help Charlie learn to walk again. Greg decides the best way for Charlie to overcome his dilemma is to get him on to college.
Now at the University of Utah, Charlie must rely on his head to get him through his trials in life instead of his body. He now tries to learn how to become an author. But with uncaring professors and plenty of competition, Charlie seems all alone. He is backed up by his best friends. And the girl of his dreams still loves him.
Charlie just can't seem to progress in his movement of his legs. And school is getting so hard that he can't take it. His friends rally around him and even Greg stays by his side. But Charlie is ready to give it all up. Seeing no reason to live, Charlie attempts suicide. But at the last minute, he remembers the words of an old playwright he has once studied. "How far that little candle throws his beams! So shines a good deed in a weary world."
All the good that has been done to Charlie is about to be thrown away.
Charlie recommits to his goal and continues working on his school work and physical therapy. Now is the ultimate test to take. After four years of school and painful therapy, he must now try to walk to receive his diploma. But after much work, Charlie walks again. He graduates as a writer and marries the girl of his dreams.
Hero-Charlie
Mentor-Greg
Threshold Guardian-School work
Herald-University Professors
Shape shifter- Pain and Stress
Shadow-Charlie
Trickster-Charlie
Monday, November 21, 2011
Film Analysis
Disney's Hercules
Ordinary World: Hercules, who was turned mortal after being born a God, is living under mortal parents and trying to get through life.
Call: His adoptive parents reveal to Hercules that he is not their child. Hercules strives to find out who he is.
Refusal of the Call: Hercules is discouraged that he can't find an answer to who he is.
Meeting with the Mentor: He meets Phil who trains him to become a hero.
Crossing the Threshold: Hercules goes to Thebes, a new city and world to him.
Tests, Allies, Enemies: He meets Megara, faces Hydra and battles several other monsters making him an idol in the city's eyes.
Approach: Hercules begins to get cocky and discouraged when Phil tells him that Meg is working for Hades, who turned him mortal in the first place.
Ordeal: Hercules is stripped of his super strength by Hades and now must try to save the city by himself. He battles the Titans and save Olympus from destruction. Megara sacrifices herself to save Hercules.
Reward: Zeus tells Hercules how proud he is of what he has done in his life.
The Road Back: Hercules must travel to the Underworld to save Megara's soul from Hades.
Resurrection: Hercules is almost swallowed up by death, but saves Megara and regains his Godhood.
Return with Elixer: Hercules chooses to give up his Godhood to be with the one he loves. Megara.
Ordinary World: Hercules, who was turned mortal after being born a God, is living under mortal parents and trying to get through life.
Call: His adoptive parents reveal to Hercules that he is not their child. Hercules strives to find out who he is.
Refusal of the Call: Hercules is discouraged that he can't find an answer to who he is.
Meeting with the Mentor: He meets Phil who trains him to become a hero.
Crossing the Threshold: Hercules goes to Thebes, a new city and world to him.
Tests, Allies, Enemies: He meets Megara, faces Hydra and battles several other monsters making him an idol in the city's eyes.
Approach: Hercules begins to get cocky and discouraged when Phil tells him that Meg is working for Hades, who turned him mortal in the first place.
Ordeal: Hercules is stripped of his super strength by Hades and now must try to save the city by himself. He battles the Titans and save Olympus from destruction. Megara sacrifices herself to save Hercules.
Reward: Zeus tells Hercules how proud he is of what he has done in his life.
The Road Back: Hercules must travel to the Underworld to save Megara's soul from Hades.
Resurrection: Hercules is almost swallowed up by death, but saves Megara and regains his Godhood.
Return with Elixer: Hercules chooses to give up his Godhood to be with the one he loves. Megara.
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Ordinary World
Rise of Nations
My name is Phil Goldman. I've been a student at the University of Notre Dame and I have been training to become a Priest. My life has been set out for me my whole life. I get my degree and teach religion. All seemed great, then I met Ruth. She is perfect for me! She is religious, funny, and lets not forget beautiful. But there is just one problem. She is Mormon. I don't know what to do? This girl who I'm starting to love or the future I always thought I would have.
Will Phil convert to become Mormon?
What will his family think?
Does he really love Ruth?
My name is Phil Goldman. I've been a student at the University of Notre Dame and I have been training to become a Priest. My life has been set out for me my whole life. I get my degree and teach religion. All seemed great, then I met Ruth. She is perfect for me! She is religious, funny, and lets not forget beautiful. But there is just one problem. She is Mormon. I don't know what to do? This girl who I'm starting to love or the future I always thought I would have.
Will Phil convert to become Mormon?
What will his family think?
Does he really love Ruth?
Sunday, November 6, 2011
Adaption
Honestly- Cary Brothers
Andrew has dedicated his life to helping people get over their unrequited love relationships. He seems to have all the answers, but what is going to happen when this smooth talking specialist has to deal with the same feelings himself? Set in the bustling town of Detroit, will Andrew be able to truly understand unrequited love?
I Want To Know- The Mavericks
Obed has come from a small Jewish town in Isreal. He is the what many would call a genius. Coming to Pittsburgh for a new job in linguistics, Obed is shocked to realize that there is a world outside of his small town. Love, friends, and even money. Will Obed stay true to his morals or will his lose his way in a shocking new world.
My Brilliant Feat- Colin Hay
Paris has always tried to be somebody in her life. She always seems to get shut down. Finding a journal by her late brother of his journeying throughout France, Paris decides to find herself in a strange land. Paris meets a cast of characters who teach her love, nostalgia, and hope. Will Paris be able to accomplish her hopes? Or will she fail in the attempt?
Andrew has dedicated his life to helping people get over their unrequited love relationships. He seems to have all the answers, but what is going to happen when this smooth talking specialist has to deal with the same feelings himself? Set in the bustling town of Detroit, will Andrew be able to truly understand unrequited love?
I Want To Know- The Mavericks
Obed has come from a small Jewish town in Isreal. He is the what many would call a genius. Coming to Pittsburgh for a new job in linguistics, Obed is shocked to realize that there is a world outside of his small town. Love, friends, and even money. Will Obed stay true to his morals or will his lose his way in a shocking new world.
My Brilliant Feat- Colin Hay
Paris has always tried to be somebody in her life. She always seems to get shut down. Finding a journal by her late brother of his journeying throughout France, Paris decides to find herself in a strange land. Paris meets a cast of characters who teach her love, nostalgia, and hope. Will Paris be able to accomplish her hopes? Or will she fail in the attempt?
Sunday, October 30, 2011
My Story: Chapter 7
Setting: Bat-mobile on the way home from defeating Disney Villians.
Characters: Steve Rodgers, Clark Kent, Bruce Wayne
Time:11:30 PM
Clark: "This is the ultimate showdown! Good guys, bad guys and explosions! I wonder who will survive, I wonder who it will be. This is the ultimate showdown. The ultimate destiny!"
Bruce: OK that's enough.
Steve: Yeah, seriously.
Clark: Hahaha well you guys are just plain boring then!
Bruce: Or just really tired and sick of that song.
Clark: Whatever. So... Steve?
Steve: Yeah?
Clark: Did you ever work anything with Rachel.
Steve: No. She just wants to be good pals. Guess I just ain't her type.
Clark: I'm sorry man.
Steve: It's all good. What about you Bruce?
Bruce: Well, To be honest been thinking about.... Well Rachel.
Clark: Um.... Ok.
Steve: Go for it. I give you my permission.
Bruce: What? But Steve?
Steve: Its all good. Go ahead. I tried, didn't work out. You've got a shot. Do it.
Bruce: I uh. Don't know.
Steve: This is an order from the Captain!
Bruce: Hahaha well, ok.
Clark: Can we change subjects?
Steve: Yeah go ahead.
Characters: Steve Rodgers, Clark Kent, Bruce Wayne
Time:11:30 PM
Clark: "This is the ultimate showdown! Good guys, bad guys and explosions! I wonder who will survive, I wonder who it will be. This is the ultimate showdown. The ultimate destiny!"
Bruce: OK that's enough.
Steve: Yeah, seriously.
Clark: Hahaha well you guys are just plain boring then!
Bruce: Or just really tired and sick of that song.
Clark: Whatever. So... Steve?
Steve: Yeah?
Clark: Did you ever work anything with Rachel.
Steve: No. She just wants to be good pals. Guess I just ain't her type.
Clark: I'm sorry man.
Steve: It's all good. What about you Bruce?
Bruce: Well, To be honest been thinking about.... Well Rachel.
Clark: Um.... Ok.
Steve: Go for it. I give you my permission.
Bruce: What? But Steve?
Steve: Its all good. Go ahead. I tried, didn't work out. You've got a shot. Do it.
Bruce: I uh. Don't know.
Steve: This is an order from the Captain!
Bruce: Hahaha well, ok.
Clark: Can we change subjects?
Steve: Yeah go ahead.
Sunday, October 23, 2011
What Am I Supposed to Do?
I must be out of my mind.
He was right.
What?
Go out there and rescue the girl
like I'm some kind of a hero?
From the - from the jaws of death and then the *whole town* will cheer.She already has her knight-in-shining-armor, and it's *not* me!
What am I supposed to do?
He was right about everything...
and I'm *tired* of trying to be something that I'm not.
He was right.
What?
Go out there and rescue the girl
like I'm some kind of a hero?
From the - from the jaws of death and then the *whole town* will cheer.She already has her knight-in-shining-armor, and it's *not* me!
What am I supposed to do?
He was right about everything...
and I'm *tired* of trying to be something that I'm not.
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Smoke.
Wood burning at 2 in the morning.
We laugh and we seem to get younger.
We go back to running up and down ventilation systems.
Back to sleeping in burritos.
Back to when nothing mattered.
To when love was not important and girls were just a pretty sight.
When we could eat more then everyone in the world.
We have changed a little since then.
Marine, college student, salesmen, and senior.
After so much time trying to be people, we just want to be who we were getting there.
Smoke is something that is beautiful.
Something that is who we are and who will always be.
The smell of smoke still lingers on our shoulders.
You can all smell it.
We laugh and we seem to get younger.
We go back to running up and down ventilation systems.
Back to sleeping in burritos.
Back to when nothing mattered.
To when love was not important and girls were just a pretty sight.
When we could eat more then everyone in the world.
We have changed a little since then.
Marine, college student, salesmen, and senior.
After so much time trying to be people, we just want to be who we were getting there.
Smoke is something that is beautiful.
Something that is who we are and who will always be.
The smell of smoke still lingers on our shoulders.
You can all smell it.
Monday, October 10, 2011
Lock
Sealed off from the world.
As if the ultimate key had kept it hidden.
Shut up tight.
They won't let it out.
I've tried it all.
Drills, explosives, even C4.
Did they forget about me?
She wants me out of here.
Where are the keys?
Help me!
I've been screaming all day.
But the jailer just smiles and laughs.
I take the food he gives me.
SPLAT!
The window is smeared with corn and beans.
Here it comes.
NO! Stop!
It hurts more every time he hits me.
Send me an Angel.
Break me out of this prison.
Give me the keys.
I hate the jailer.
He looks a lot like me.
As if the ultimate key had kept it hidden.
Shut up tight.
They won't let it out.
I've tried it all.
Drills, explosives, even C4.
Did they forget about me?
She wants me out of here.
Where are the keys?
Help me!
I've been screaming all day.
But the jailer just smiles and laughs.
I take the food he gives me.
SPLAT!
The window is smeared with corn and beans.
Here it comes.
NO! Stop!
It hurts more every time he hits me.
Send me an Angel.
Break me out of this prison.
Give me the keys.
I hate the jailer.
He looks a lot like me.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
DIRECT ORDERS!
You have been given direct orders to rock the fetching world.
Rock like she said I do too.
Rock like the just exploded.
Rock like someone didn't cut the blue wire.
Rock like the world just stopped spinning.
Rock like you found out that Santa is real.
Rock like you're just another brick in the wall.
Rock like its 1969.
Rock like you just met your future best rival.
Rock like a Rock
Rock like you just got an A on your fitness test.
Rock like Captain America just saved you.
Rock like its time to go home.
Rock like she said I do too.
Rock like the just exploded.
Rock like someone didn't cut the blue wire.
Rock like the world just stopped spinning.
Rock like you found out that Santa is real.
Rock like you're just another brick in the wall.
Rock like its 1969.
Rock like you just met your future best rival.
Rock like a Rock
Rock like you just got an A on your fitness test.
Rock like Captain America just saved you.
Rock like its time to go home.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Life and Death
Well... I'm going to die.
So doing all of the things I've always wanted to do should be cake right?
WRONG!!!!
You could be dying the next day and it still be hard to do a lot of things.
It never gets any easier.
But why does it have to be so hard?
Why can't it just be easy
UGH!
Why can't this be easier?
Well what do I want to do now?
I want to...
No. Too scared.
But I'm going to die right?
So it really doesn't matter if I do it or not.
I'll be dead so I won't know the consequences of my actions.
Or at least have to bear the pain if it ends badly.
No. I can't.
Would.... Understand?
Do they already know?
It is kinda of obvious if you think about it.
I'm going to die.
Well, then its time... I guess.
Hey! So.... Um..
Got something to tell ya.
No, that sounds stupid.
I..... I mean.
Well...
WHY!!!!
I'm going to fetching die.
I'm going to die without saying...
That is it!
So doing all of the things I've always wanted to do should be cake right?
WRONG!!!!
You could be dying the next day and it still be hard to do a lot of things.
It never gets any easier.
But why does it have to be so hard?
Why can't it just be easy
UGH!
Why can't this be easier?
Well what do I want to do now?
I want to...
But I'm going to die right?
So it really doesn't matter if I do it or not.
I'll be dead so I won't know the consequences of my actions.
Or at least have to bear the pain if it ends badly.
Would.... Understand?
Do they already know?
It is kinda of obvious if you think about it.
I'm going to die.
Well, then its time... I guess.
Hey! So.... Um..
No, that sounds stupid.
I..... I mean.
Well...
WHY!!!!
I'm going to fetching die.
I'm going to die without saying...
That is it!
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Boulevard of Broken Dreams
It is a the blackest night.
Its snowing and all I'm wearing is a tee shirt and jeans.
A brief breeze picks up that chills you to the bone.
I walk alone. I walk alone.
Time has passed on by.
Goals unwritten. Unrealized beliefs.
Shattered friends. Time has blown them in my face.
I hear a boy trying to read a loud from a big book.
He can't say it right. And when he does, someone says it better.
I walk alone. I walk alone.
A streetlight is flickering in the distance.
I run to it to get some light.
But it just shuts off when I get there.
I walk alone. I walk alone.
Three girls walk on by.
They turn and all say "I'm Sorry."
The faces burned in my mind.
I look down and my laces are untied.
I walk alone. I walk alone.
I see a whiteboard with equations on it.
It is unsolved and I don't know how to fix it.
I see man looking at me.
"What of Coriolanus" he utters.
I walk alone. I walk alone.
I look and I see a world at war.
I can't deal with it.
Frozen pools surround me.
I jump in. Must escape!
I walk alone.....
Sunday, September 11, 2011
I'm Thinkin About You
Today I'm at work.
I've got to wash these trays
and the guy I work with won't leave me alone.
But I'm not focused on either topics to listen to,
because I'm thinking about you.
Like gum thinks about teeth.
like mullets think about hair
I'm thinkin about you like fuggly guys think about cheerleaders.
Like carpet feels about feet.
I ain't focused on making some dough
because I just want to let you know
that I like you. A lot.
Like toys think about tots,
and guys think about breaking stuff.
I think about you like nobody in the world.
Because you are the only one in the world that I think about
I'm thinkin about you like buses think about going fast.
Like wind thinks about shootin the breeze with air.
Like computers think about numbers
Like girls think about going to prom
And like guys think about going to after prom.
Girl, you are the my best friend.
And I promise you that it ain't gonna end.
Let me just tell you that I don't want to be just your friend.
Because I'm done just thinking about you,
I want to be with you.
I've got to wash these trays
and the guy I work with won't leave me alone.
But I'm not focused on either topics to listen to,
because I'm thinking about you.
Like gum thinks about teeth.
like mullets think about hair
I'm thinkin about you like fuggly guys think about cheerleaders.
Like carpet feels about feet.
I ain't focused on making some dough
because I just want to let you know
that I like you. A lot.
Like toys think about tots,
and guys think about breaking stuff.
I think about you like nobody in the world.
Because you are the only one in the world that I think about
I'm thinkin about you like buses think about going fast.
Like wind thinks about shootin the breeze with air.
Like computers think about numbers
Like girls think about going to prom
And like guys think about going to after prom.
Girl, you are the my best friend.
And I promise you that it ain't gonna end.
Let me just tell you that I don't want to be just your friend.
Because I'm done just thinking about you,
I want to be with you.
Friday, September 2, 2011
Love is...... Lamp. Top 10 Love Metaphors
10. Love is Shakespeare
9. Love is a book of randomness
8. Love is a Comic Book
7. Love is Paris
6. Love is Lamp
5. Love is Sparta
4. Love is an Algebra Class
3. Love is Oxygen
2. Love is just a kid from Brookyln
1. Love is Omniscient
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Intro: Why would you make a blog? Isn't that for girls?
So I'm making this blog to allow the creative juices in my head to spread to the rest of the blogging world. And the answer to the question in saying that blogs are for girls is FALSE!!!! My mind is pretty random so things from comic book characters, video games, movies, literature, music, theater and pretty much any type of medium you can think of. And if you can't tell by the title, I love superheroes. Marvel ones the most. So get lost in the creativity.
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