When we were studying American poetry and transcendentalism Literature class this year, we focused specifically on a few major figures, such as Henry Thoreau, Ralph Waldo Emerson, and Walt Whitman. Whitman was very memorable because of his magnificent beard, and because of his free verse poetry. All the other students dislike free verse, so I have taken it upon myself to write sincerely in that style. At least it’s better than writing sonnets!
by Reuben James (11th Grade)
In class today, I was tasked—burdened, even—
To write of chocolate in terms of taste and sound.
What sound does chocolate make? Who knows?
And so I fabricated lies.
I ‘splained how angels up above do fracture bars;
The sound of shattered chocolate plays a holy tune.
I love sweets as much as any other, but I admit
That’s just not true.
Soup’s my favorite food, so when I covered taste,
I ignored the prompt; instead I wrote of soup.
But it was chocolate soup,
So that makes it okay.
Walt Whitman’s poems had heavy themes, and rarely mentioned soup,
But often featured metaphors, as so many poems do.
P’raps there’s deeper meaning to my ramblings on chocolate.
I should publish this.
