All posts by Jenise Perez

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Let’s play a game…. Unraveling Poetry

(An Experimental Piece)

Welcome aboard Poetry Quest, where words become your compass and poetry is the map! In this game, you’ll embark on a journey through the vast seas of language, exploring different poetic forms and unlocking the mysteries of verse. Are you ready to set sail and discover the wonders that await?

Objective: To complete each level by solving word puzzles and creating poetry that fits the given prompt. As you progress, you’ll unlock new challenges and poetic forms to explore.

Level 1: Rhyme Riddles

In this level, you’ll encounter rhyming riddles that describe common objects or concepts. Your task is to decipher the riddle and write a short poem using the clues provided. Be sure to include words that rhyme with the given clues to unlock the next level!

Example Riddle:

I’m tall and green, with leaves so wide,

I sway in the breeze, with grace and pride.

My trunk is strong, my branches high,

In forests deep, I touch the sky.

—>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Level 2: Acrostic Adventure

In this level, you’ll be challenged to create an acrostic poem using a given word or phrase. Each line of your poem should begin with the corresponding letter of the word or phrase. Get creative and see how many unique acrostic poems you can compose!

Example Word: SUNSHINE

S pirits lifted by your golden glow,

U nderneath your warmth, we grow.

N ature’s canvas painted bright,

S parkling rays fill the day and night.

H earts are warmed by your embrace,

I lluminating every space.

N estled in your light, we find,

E ternal joy and peace of mind.

—>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Level 3: Haiku Harmony

In this level, you’ll delve into the world of haiku poetry. Your challenge is to write a haiku inspired by the given theme or image. Remember, a haiku consists of three lines with a 5-7-5 syllable pattern. Let your imagination soar as you capture the essence of the moment in just a few words!

Example Theme: Spring Blossoms

Cherry blossoms bloom,

Petals drift on gentle breeze,

Nature’s silent song.

—>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Level 4: Sonnet Solace

Prepare to tackle the Sonnet Solace challenge! Craft a sonnet following the traditional 14-line structure with iambic pentameter. Explore themes of love, loss, or beauty as you weave together intricate rhyme schemes and deep sentiments.

Example Opening Lines:

In twilight’s embrace, the day takes flight,

As shadows lengthen and stars ignite.

—>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Thank you for completing Poetry Quest! We hope you enjoyed this wordplay adventure and discovered the joy of poetry along the way. Keep exploring, keep writing, keep creating, and let your words carry you to new horizons!

student blogs

Odyssey’s Journey

A Greek Mythology Poem

low-angle photography of the corner of brown concrete pillars.

The Odyssey, attributed to Homer,
one of the most enduring stories.
Odysseus, heroic and flawed,
his journey spans years, a witness
to the indomitable spirit.
From the trials of Polyphemus,
to Circe’s enchantments,
Odysseus navigates danger.
The Odyssey is a story
of perseverance, longing to return
To his beloved land of Ithaca, to reunite

with his wife Penelope and son Telemachus.

Through trials, Odysseus remains

determined to overcome every obstacle.
But the Odyssey delves deeper,

into themes of identity,

loyalty, temptation, and time. But through trials,

Odysseus remains determined to

overcome every obstacle.

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A Reflection on Diane Seuss’s “Frank Sonnets”

Your “Frank Sonnets” collection of sonnets is a revelation 

a bold take on poetry’s traditional form as

each sonnet challenges norms with determination, 

breaking free from the constraints it once controlled. 

In this book the sonnets become a vessel

navigating through the emotional terrain and

with each verse, you uncover life’s battles

balancing despair and hope’s delicate refrain.

I’m amazed by the way you confront many themes 

in particular themes likes suicide you approached with grace

infusing wit and wisdom into every line

as you delve into life’s complexities. 

your poems offer readers a profound view 

a true testament to the human journey we all embark upon

student blogs

Evolution of Love

A Sonnet Crown on Life’s Evolving Story

Married couple sitting on bench.

–

In the book of life a story weaves,

a love story unfolds with each passing day

in tender moments hearts find their reprieve,

as life’s current carry us on our way. 

On our way, we journey through the years,

through highs and lows, through laughter and tears,

in each chapter, joy and sorrow nears, 

as life’s unfolding tale becomes more clear.

It becomes more clear with every twist and turn,

The plot thickens, the characters evolve, 

in every triumph, in every lesson that was learned, 

we find the essence of the human resolve.

Human resolve to love and to forgive, 

to embrace each moment and to truly live.

student blogs

Beloved Sunflower

Sunflower field under blue sky during daytime.

In the fields of gold where summer’s warmth resides 

A sunflower stands proud gazing towards the sun 

Its petals spread wide like golden tides, 

A testament to nature’s art so finely spun.

Oh, sunflower fair in brilliance you gleam, 

A light of joy in the fields of green 

With every gentle sway you dance and dream 

A sight so splendid that you can’t unsee.

Amidst the whispers of the gentle breeze, 

Your beauty flourishes as a sight to admire 

In your radiant presence the soul finds ease 

As you stand tall in nature’s choir.

Oh, how you captivate with every bloom, 

My most favorite flower in sunlight’s room.

student blogs

Dominican Flavors

View of a balcony with a Dominican flag hanging from the balcony.

In the heart of the Caribbean where the sun meets the sea, 

Dominican kitchens hum with culinary glee. 

A symphony of flavors, a dance of delight, 

In every dish, stories of tradition take flight.

Plantains, the golden muse, ripe and sweet, 

Transform in the kitchen, a delightful feat. 

Mangu’s warm embrace, a morning’s delight, 

Plantains milk and butter, in a mash so right.

Sofrito sizzles, a fragrant overture, 

Abuelita’s culinary signature. 

Aromas intertwine in the air, 

A dance of spices, a legacy to declare.

Moro de guandules, brown rice and peas unite, 

A savory dance, a family’s delight. 

Meats join the chorus, a symphony so grand, 

On the plate, a taste of the island’s land.

In the heart of each dish, a surprise awaits, 

A hint of adventure, beyond the culinary gates. 

For in Dominican kitchens, where tradition thrives, 

Innovations spark, like stars in the night skies.

Sancocho simmers, a stew mixed of vegetable, roots and love, 

Yucca, plantains, and meats from above. 

A fusion of flavors, in a communal pot, 

Sancocho warms, memories never to be forgot.

And as the pots bubble and the pans clatter, 

Laughter echoes, like music in the chatter. 

For in the rhythm of cooking, joy is heard,

A symphony of sound, in every spoken word.

From the gentle sizzle of sofrito in the pan, 

To the rhythmic chop of vegetables by hand. 

Each sound tells a tale, a story to tell, 

Of love, family, and the meals we dwell.

student blogs

Response to “A Retrospective” and “A Few Don’ts” By Ezra Pound

The essay, “A Retrospect” and “A Few Don’ts” by Ezra Pound showcases a deliberate use of difficult language, enhanced by the inclusion of Latin, Spanish, and Italian. This linguistic complexity might leave readers grappling with the meaning behind Pound’s words. The strategic infusion of these languages raises questions about his intent and the level of exclusivity he seeks to establish in his words. 

Pound appears conscious of his pretentiousness, recognizing that he writes for a particular audience. The intricate language he employs suggests an expectation of intellectual sophistication from his readers. This self-awareness contributes to an aura of exclusivity, as Pound assumes his audience possesses the wisdom necessary to unravel the layers of meaning within his text.

His bold assertion that “no one writes much poetry that matters” positions Pound as a discerning arbiter of poetic significance. This claim reinforces his image as a figure who boldly asserts knowledge of what truly constitutes meaningful poetry. Pound thus establishes himself as a literary authority, imparting a sense of confidence in his ability to distinguish between the trivial and the profound in the realm of poetry.

Pound’s perspective on poetry as a product of its time and culture underscores his belief in its specificity. He argues that poetry is not a universal art form but is intricately tied to its historical and cultural context. This stance suggests that Pound sees poetry as a nuanced creation meant for a specific audience one that can appreciate the intricacies of its cultural and temporal roots.

In conclusion, Pound’s use of difficult language, awareness of his pretentious tone, and strong opinions on the significance of poetry collectively paint a picture of a writer who writes with a certain elitism. The inclusion of various languages, the claim about the rarity of meaningful poetry, and the emphasis on poetry as a product of its time all contribute to Pound’s persona as a confident and exclusive voice within the literary landscape.