fandomhigh | Creative Writing: Poetry, Lesson One

Tuesday, January 10, 8th period

Just as he was yesterday ~~although none of you know that~~, Geoff is leaning against the front of his desk and waiting for his new students to arrive. Once everyone is assembled, he greets the class.

"Welcome to Creative Writing: Poetry. As you've probably already figured out by the fact that I'm standing up here and you're all sitting in chairs, I'm Professor Chaucer. First I want to tell you a few things about the class. There aren't very many of you, so I'd prefer it if you all sat near one another -- in fact, the seats can be moved into whatever configuration we all feel comfortable with, so there's no need for anyone to be stuck off alone in the back. Also, I want to point out the book closet behind me -- you can find all of the texts you need for the assigned readings there, plus some additional materials if you're interested. The books here on the bookcase are also available for reading, but I'd prefer you don't remove those from this wing of the school. My office is just off the classroom here, and I'll be holding office hours at least twice a week, possibly more if I get very bored.

"You can pick up a copy of the assigned readings and grading structure here on my desk as you leave today. Class discussions will pertain to those readings, and participation in the discussions is part of your grade, so please make certain you do the reading. As this is a class on writing poetry, there will also be frequent writing assignments, as well as an end-of-term assignment on which I'll go into more detail later.

All right, let's move on to today's class. There are three things I need you to do for me today.

1. Introduce yourself, and tell the class why you're taking Creative Writing.

2. Choose two people in the room and ask each of them a question. Any question, but let's keep things civil. I'm included in the category of 'people in the room'.

3. Hopefully you all saw my notice and brought a poem with you to class. If you didn't, take a minute to step up to the bookcase and find yourself one. I'd like each of you to read your poem aloud to the class, and then tell us why you chose that particular poem.

Once you've finished the above assignments, feel free to use the remainder of today's class period to begin your assigned reading for the next lesson."

Assignment for Next Week: Read the first ten poems in Petrarch's Canzoniere and Shakespeare's sonnets numbers 13, 18, 20, 35, 71, 75, 83, 89, 96, 130, and 137. Choose one sonnet by each author, and come prepared to discuss a comparison of them in class.

[OOC: A couple of important points. For people in other time zones and with RL concerns, you'll have until Saturday each week to make your comments for class. If you know ahead of time you won't be available for a class, just drop me a note in my voicemail and let me know. You're allowed one unexcused absence without penalty. After that, you'll get at F for that lesson unless you arrange with me for make-up work. I don't assign detention unless there's a real problem, so don't be afraid to come and see me about missed classes.]

Class Roster

oatmanspatient

teen_twin

12parseckessel

time_agent

kikidelivers(TA)

death_n_binky

sharon_valerii

future_visions
Auditing:

gotcanewillpoke (What? You tell him he can't.)

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Choose two people and ask each one a question.

Phoebe bit her lip to keep a smile from turning into a giggle. She looked at Geoff and asked, "Not counting yourself, because well, you're one of my faves, but who is your favorite poet and why?"

She then looked at Death. "Death, do you think that there is a way to use poetry as a tool of freedom?"

"Thank you for the compliment, Phoebe. I'd have to say that right now, I've become somewhat partial to Petrarch, although I'm also very much enjoying the work of Emma Lazarus -- which is part of the reason why both of them appear on your syllabus."

Marty points at Kiki. "Kiki? What kind of mileage do you get on your broom? Do you have to recharge it? Fill it up with gas? What?"

Marty then looks at Death "Death? What's the meaning of Life?

Kiki, definitely not expecting this question, starts laughing. "Basically," she explains, "it's all fueled by my own magical energy. If I'm tired, or worn down, I can't fly as far or as fast as I can when I'm rested. It's not as strenuous as anything like running, but after some long distance flight I can be pretty tired from the energy needed to keep the broom in the air. I think my top speed is around 40 miles an hour, but only for short bursts. I can maintain a good 15 to 20 per hour if I'm handling the magic right."

Kiki looks over at Han. "I'm tempted to ask you about the weird message you left on my machine the other day," she begins, "but instead, I'll ask what is the strangest work of poetry you've ever read in your travels?"

"And Connor, what's your favorite animal?"

Han facepalms. "Not you, too. Sorry it wasn't meant for anyone here."

He thinks a minute. "It'd have to be the siliciod stuff I heard on Rejnir. The sound of two sentient rocks grinding together for 20 minutes. They said it was about the meaning of life and how rocks fit into the cosmic scheme of things. Me, I heard rocks.

Connor considers the question for a long moment.

"The wolf. Wolves are highly intellegent and familial creatures. They serve and protect their own."

Jack tries to muster up two questions. "Kiki, what is flying on a broom like?" He looks around the room and picks Marty. "Um, okay, Marty. Without using a calculator: You are driving a bus from Detroit to Lansing. In Detroit, 17 people get on the bus. In Ann Arbor, six people get off the bus and nine people get on. In Kalamazoo (yes, we're taking the long way round Michigan), two people get off and four get on. You then arrive in Lansing. What was the name of the bus driver?"

The subject of flight always brings a smile to Kiki's face, without effort. "First of all, it is far more comfortable than most people would probably imagine. Second, it's a complete delight - as long as you don't have a fear of heights. Once you get the knack, you can just enjoy the sensation of soaring through the air without thinking about the technical parts."

Considering for a moment, Sharon looks at Phoebe, and (flailing internally), blurts out. "Why do Americans like sports?"

Since the first question was inane, she flushes and soldiers on, turning to Jack, steals his nonsensicalness, "If you had to choose between black and white, wouldn't blue be better?"

*DEATH, removing a kitten from his bag, begins to pet it gently while he carefully considers his questions. He only gets two, after all.*

He then turns to the rest of the class, asking no one, or everyone, in particular...

Geoff is caught completely off guard by the question. "Ah...kittens, right. Well, I suppose if they're...sentient kittens who are...interested in poetry...and they...apply themselves, then...there's no reason why it should be assumed that they...have no...creative poetic capabilities."

He smiles hopefully, mentally marking this down as officially the weirdest question he's had to answer in his life. Even since coming to Fandom.

Then he wonders if the kitten is going to be submitting assignments. The kitten that belongs to DEATH.

Then he decides he might need a drink.

Creative Writing: Poetry, Lesson One

ASKING QUESTIONS ASSIGNMENT

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