Themes on Life and Identity

The following video clip done by the poet laureate, Billy Collins, where he looks at the way we see ourselves. The following few posts deal with this idea of self-identity and the characteristics we possess as individuals. Some of these as illustrated below deal with forgetfulness, life, and anger. Once students have examined these poems, they must create their own.

While you look at this animated poetry clip entitled "Some Days," by Billy Collins, what do you think his overall message is?



In the following animated poetry clip entitled "Now and then," by Billy Collins what is his overall message and how does it relate to this theme of life/identity?



Here is another poem on life and identity taken from Alicia Keyes book entitled "POW." As you read this what is her overall message? How does she use repitition in her poem and is it effective? What is the internal struggle that the speaker is going through?



Here is another poetry clip featuring Lauryn Hill. Her poem is entitled "Motives and Thoughts." What are the motives and thoughts that the speaker is trying to tell us about it? How does she feel about these? What is her overall message?



In this poem entitled "Apology to My Unborn," what is the mother's message to her child?

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