1. Reading–Please be sure to bring to class all poems read in the last two weeks.
2. Writing–Next theme, America. Please be thoughtful and more than ever I expect to see more thought given to how you create meaning in this poem. Keep in mind that poetry rests on image and figures; so too, should your poetry. Rhyme and meter is up to you; but, I challenge you to cater to at least one in this poem. Avoid writing a piece that is comprised entirely of literal verse.

(Due 11/22) Surprise: Gratitude Letters!!! Yes, in the spirit of being thankful, please write (handwritten preferably) a letter to someone for whom you are grateful. Thank them and let them know why you are thankful. Be heartfelt. Write your name at the bottom of the letter. Ideally, this letter would be to an adult in the building (excluding me). Put the letter in an envelope and write the recipient’s name on the outside of the envelope.

1. Read and annotate Dog by Lawrence Ferlinghetti
2. Poet Study–You should be aware of coming deadlines.

1. Stream of Consciousness–Take a walk home or take a different route to any destination!   Then, employing stream of consciousness, document your experience in prose and/or verse.

1. Read and annotate Dog by Lawrence Ferlinghetti
2. Due Wednesday–Original beat poems! Your beat poem should reflect what you know to be true about beat poetry in terms of theme, voice, and form. So, when we hear or read your poem, it should be clear that this is a beat poem. One very specific requirement though: you should get funky with form (i.e. Dog).

Take a subject from your rant/list of grievances (completed in class) and compose a stream of consciousness beat poem inspired by your chosen subject.

Extra credit: look up second wave beat poetry, and write a short paragraph (at least 5 sentences) on how you think the movement evolved and/or write about how beat poetry in general affects you personally.