Response to “Our Future.”

I really liked this poem because the author caught my attention with the first line. Since it is a question, it feels as though they’re directly speaking to me, which is always a plus. Throughout the poem, the poet is using proper punctuation to emphasize their point- which is “what do we necessarily want with our lives and what will make us happy?” I think that this poem is one that a lot of people can relate to given we’ve all been at that point when we’re questioning what we’re even doing with our life and whether we’ll ever be happy… at least I think most have. I appreciate how they’re very direct with what they’re stating and not really sugarcoating it in any way. It’s like in the beginning, the author is asking the audience multiple questions and then kind’v’e forces us to see a glimpse of our future in twenty years, while once again mentioning if we’re in fact happy; great repetition. We’re hit with more questions and then learn a little bit about the poet which is a nice way at an attempt to relate to us. In the very last stanza, the author directly states how money isn’t the only thing of importance in this world and that we should always strive to make a difference everyday. The final poetic line asks me very directly what I will do with my life and just leaves me questioning what will I do. I kind of don’t like that because of the fact, but it’s also why I do. Regardless, I approve of the poem because it leaves me thinking. So good job! 

Response to “Place of Worship.”

This poem was interesting not just for the fact that it discussed God and his creation, but taking in the essence of our surroundings every day. The poet uses a ton of imagery throughout to help express the details found in nature. I find it unique how in the beginning, the author has a lengthy stanza, whereas the rest of the poem is kept short and straight to the point. It’s more relatable to me given that I love the beach and can relate to how when you’re there, you feel more at peace with God. The words “I find myself/ And lose myself,” are great poetic lines because they’re so true to how it applies to everyday life. I feel as if the author was going through a specifically rough time, like most, and found him or herself at the beach for tranquility and reassurance. It’s a great poem to read in order to reassure the reader that everything will be okay in the end and that it is okay to take a breather every now and then. I appreciate how the author mentions God and is not afraid to state the role that he plays in their life. I also like how they titled it “Place of Worship” because it expresses how you don’t have to necessarily put your arms up in the air and shout out hymns to technically worship, but can simply sit there, admiring God’s artwork and thanking him for all he’s done in your life. It shows how sometimes you may not be able to describe a specific feeling in words, unless writing a poem, but by just taking in the peace presented through all of the chaos. 

Response to “Crazy.”

This poem is pretty legit. It discusses the obvious: the crazy in people. The poet begins the poem with a much directed statement, rather than a question. They’re also very straightforward in saying that we as humans are quick to point out others flaws, and disregard our own. I feel like most think this way, just aren’t ready to openly admit it.  I appreciate how they use quoted general statements that girls and boys actually use on a daily basis. By the end of the first stanza, the author admittedly states that they’re crazy and they don’t care that they are- how honest of them. Then, in the second stanza, the poet just nonchalantly claims that they have mental issues, but not the kind that would force one to receive medical treatment. I mean, some may. After that, they start discussing how they feel it in their mind, basically taking over their “nervous system.” In the final stanza, the reader discovers that the poet is a male, “a man,” and you get a better idea of how he really just does not care what others think about him. It’s pretty rejuvenating to be honest. He continues to express the literal crazy in him, and then goes on to state how it’s in him, “primal.” The final statement from the author is that it’s him, he’s crazy… who would’ve thunk it? By the end of this poem, it leaves you with a weird feeling. It’s either a good, happy go lucky one because you realize you’re not the only crazy one, or a bad, my life stinks one because you realize that you are in fact crazy, and there’s definitely not denying it now. Good job mystery male poet! 

Response to “Not a Regular Day.”

One reason I really enjoyed this poem was because I felt I could relate to it. The poet starts off the poem by them realizing what’s taking place in the world around them (laughter, happy, chatter) and how they’re questioning why everyone is content. They then explain how it’s just another day for them and how they pay attention to the small details, or their “daily routine” so to speak (doors locked, watching where they walk.) Then there’s sort of a shift in tone when the author states “who cares.” I liked this because at the end of the day, we shouldn’t really sweat the small stuff, yet it’s usually what we fret over the most regardless. The poem then transitions to the poet focusing on the sky and sunlight (breeze, warmth) and how they’re experiencing bliss. This next part of the poem is the most intense for me because it is showing what the author believes to be as weakness, given they cry. Though it then goes on to further express how they move on with their day, or maybe life in general, and keep walking (left right left right.) I feel like this poem could relate to a lot of struggles or endeavors we experience every day in life: love, heartbreak, death, family, goals. I think that the poet probably was or is trying to get over something that occurred in their life, so they focus on what surrounds them. Though they still may trip or mess up, they learn and try not to think about it. Overall, I liked this poem because it was simple, yet related to me. 

Response to “Forgiveness?”

I really liked this poem not just because it was short and I didn’t feel like reading a lot, though partly true, but because it holds so much depth in so little words. With this poem only being four lines long with four words each, it doesn’t say that much, yet at the same time is saying everything. There are a lot of possible references that people may associate who this poem is directed toward. My first thought was religious and how Jesus died on the cross for our sins and so easily forgives us without us even deserving it at all; especially the last line where the author states “You’ll cover the blood?” Some may also believe it could be directed toward a lover or someone they’re close with, though I like my theory better. I really like how everything is stated in the form of a question, as if the poet is unsure and uncertain about the possibilities of forgiveness. Because of the length of the poem and the brevity, it leaves the reader thinking about it after you’ve already read through it. It’s one of those poems where you reread it and form a new perspective on it each time. You can tell it took the author some time to write this given it is short, but also the thought that had to be put into writing it. The first two lines begin with “after” and the last two start with “You’ll.” I think it’s also unique how the author didn’t capitalize the “after’s”, intentional or not. I liked “Forgiveness” for the fact that it was unexpected and forces the reader to read between the lines, literally. 

Response to “Insight.”

In this poem, I appreciated how the author stated their poetic lines as questions, mostly in the beginning. In this sense, I felt like they were speaking directly to me, as opposed to just shoving their poetry down my throat. They also chose a topic that I have not seen as a common one. Insight is one of those things where once you begin thinking about it, you really start to question how you even obtain it. The poet is very personal with the reader throughout the poem as well. They state what they are afraid of and what they believe to be proper insight; but then again they are questioning what insight is anyway. It seems to prove more difficult to get a message across in a shorter length poem, so it shows the writer has an understanding grasp of what they are striving to accomplish in writing this poem. I also like how the author writes in a very colloquial yet general tone, and uses diction that I perceive to be as casual. The poet is proving to the reader that once you are honest with yourself, you discover things you never had before and that though you may not want to realize some negative characteristics, it is better in the long run. They are expressing how they do not know everything as well, when they state that it is something that they do not know. Although, they always admit throughout that they are not even entirely positive about what constitutes as insight, yet they strive to comprehend its aspects. Overall, I really enjoyed this short, thoughtful poem. 

Reponse to “Certified”

With “Certified”, I appreciated how the author spoke with a sense of familiarity; as if it were a casual conversation with a peer. They don’t write with a sense of urgency, but with somewhat importance; almost like they don’t really care if you end up reading this, yet knowing if you do, you’ll be appreciating its context. I felt I could relate to them for the simple fact that they are unsure of their full capability. It’s as though they’re not aware of their talent or just refuse to acknowledge it, subconsciously knowing it’s apparent for all eyes. Though it’s usual and seems common for most poets to refer back to their beginning and initial thought, this writer is unique in the fact that they do it almost unnoticed. It’s as if it were an afterthought for them, yet planned from the very start of writing the poem. The writer seems okay with the idea that they are going to be having an encounter with the DMV, as opposed to being excited that they’re finally doing it. Everything just seems nonchalant with them and I admire their modest yet hidden confidence. It’s like with life, you can think you’re doing something completely right and it turns out you were making the wrong moves all along. Then looking back at it all, you recognize the various signs and what could have been done to prevent the absolute outcome. It’s like this poem- the writer realizes their faults, understanding they’re not the best writer, but when completed with their so called “assignment”, they acknowledge their decency and make the move to make an appointment. By the end, the reader comprehends the poem, though there is no intended meaning, and I can appreciate his overall sense of not really caring. 

Music and Gender

In Beyoncé’s, If I Were a Boy, she takes on the role of a guy and gives listeners and fans a look into the world of being a boy. She represents males as being players and how they basically take advantage of the women in the relationship. “Tell everyone it’s broken so they think that I was sleepin’ alone” are lyrics that B uses to portray how men will lie and cheat on you. It’s good how she tells a story through her use of lyrics, which should be done when writing a song, and she is not just bashing the entire male population; she’s giving reasoning behind it. It may be bad however, that some may perceive her as being biased given she is a girl. She does it tastefully, and shows the gender differences even more so in her video. It expresses her as the “guy” role (being the player), and then at the end of the video flips it and shows how the girls really feel in that instance. It may hit home for some. Given what we have learned in class, it goes to show the gender differences in society today and how both genders view them differently. Generally, the music, lyrics, and video all portray common stereotypes for both men and women. What makes it better is that many agree with this, which is what makes it a stereotype in the first place. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AWpsOqh8q0M

 

Blogging about the self.

A lot of people assume that in order to be a writer, you have to have proper grammar and include symbolism and a million analogies, but the truth is you just have to be willing to jot your ideas down and somehow get your point across to your audience.Though, that can prove to be difficult. As a writer, I’ve learned that journalistic writing is quite different than blogging or writing a research paper on something you absolutely care nothing about. My writing technique is to be more casual with the reader and for it to come across as a conversation, not me shoving tons of useless information down your throat.I like having a voice in my writing and expressing why I obtain a certain perspective on an idea or subject, which is what I believe I’ve improved on. I’ve pushed my boundaries by allowing the first thoughts formed be written out on paper, as opposed to ignoring them at first glance because I feel that they’re stupid or useless. Using Twitter and other social media has shown that writing comes in numerous ways now a days, whether that being in x amount of characters or in 300 words or less; it doesn’t have to be 2,000 words long… unless you’re a research paper that is. My weakness would be to not get too carried away in what I have to say and to not automatically select a position to side with, hear out all options first; which is also difficult for me. This course has taught me that it’s okay to have bad ideas or drafts, because that’s what helps stem off other better ideas in the long run. I should also pay close consideration to my surroundings and society because I’ll soon observe that gossip is constantly taking place regardless of gender. It’s a good idea to reflect because you’ll discover not only your weaknesses but your strong points as well that define you as a writer. 

“Going Viral”

Most people are aware of what “going viral” means. We’re in the day in age where if you don’t know, then you most likely do not have any social media site linked to you; which is rare, obviously. To go viral means to become popular through the use of the internet. Examples of going viral could be the numerous cat videos found on You Tube, or the very classy Miley Cyrus twerking…not all videos gone viral are worth watching. These examples show how things gossiped about or things that become instantly popular does not always mean that they’re worth the attention. In most cases, it’s because one person makes a giant deal over something small and then has the entire world obsessed… okay well maybe just our society. A common instance would be the video “Charlie bit my finger” or even the young boy that says “Blood” super funny. These videos found off You Tube didn’t just become favored or talked about just because. They did because someone posted it, others got a hold of it, and they spread from there; thanks to social media of course. Another case of something “going viral” is when Chris Brown assaulted Rihanna. News spread faster than you would’ve thought possible about the beating and pictures surfaced even sooner. See, the thing about “going viral” is that you don’t even have to be famous or a celebrity in order to do it. You can be a nobody or a baby even, and become a hit. Just look at people from Vine and our very own Marcus Johns that attends Florida State. Things that go viral have to obtain some aspect of gaining your attention: either being funny, stupid, or scary, depending on the viewer. Gossip connects to “going viral” simply because it’s something being talked about…which is the definition of gossip. Gossip is certainly a form of something viral and it receives all of the assistance it needs with the help of social media. You can use gossip to your advantage by it basically supporting you in spreading whatever it is you want to become viral. Don’t worry, gossips got your back. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_OBlgSz8sSM

http://www.eonline.com/news/99069/chris-brown-arrested-after-alleged-rihanna-assault