1 of 3

AN OPTIMISM

CAMERON AWKWARD-RICH

2 of 3

INSTRUCTIONAL

NOTE

Feel free to modify, add, or select specific questions from this bellringer to best fit your instructional goals and available time. Adjust as needed to align with your lesson focus or classroom pacing.

Also, some of the materials in these bellringers contain sensitive subject matter and/or language. Please preview the resources beforehand and make any alterations as needed.

3 of 3

BELLRINGER FOCUS: LINE BREAKS

  • Read “An Optimism” by Cameron Awkward-Rich.
    • Go to http://bit.ly/3IfOUpB to access the poem.
  • Answer the following question(s):
    • How do the poem’s long, winding lines contribute to the emotional pacing or sense of memory in the speaker’s voice?
    • Notice where lines break between thoughts. How do these pauses affect your understanding of the speaker’s experience?
    • How does the placement of the repeated phrase “when I” across different lines help build reflection throughout the poem?

CREATIVE WRITING EXTENSIONS

  • Write a poem that begins with “It is morning” and captures a quiet, personal moment.
  • List “when I…” memories in a single sentence or long poetic line, using commas instead of periods.
  • Describe a time you felt out of place, using nature imagery like birds, snow, or trees.