MY PRESIDENT
by Danez Smith
TODAY WE WILL
Watch the following video. Then discuss what you would like to see in a president. Or even nominate somebody whom you feel possesses all of your ideal “presidential” qualities.
TAKE 5-10 MINUTES TO DISCUSS.
Let’s read “My President” by Danez Smith.
When we’re done, let’s briefly discuss the content of the poem. Why does the poet choose to nominate all the people they chose to include in the poem? How are they similar? How are they different?
Take some time to come up with a list of qualities of people who should have “presidential status.” Or, if you’d like, you may come up with a list of people who embody all of those qualities.
Take 5-10 minutes to brainstorm.
“My President”
Today, write a poem like “My President” in which you pay homage to all the people who truly embody what it should mean to be the President of the United States.
MY PRESIDENT
In the poem, Smith intentionally chooses people whom they believe possess all the qualities to be President of the United States. The poet is intentional with those choices, as they range from a professional poet to people hanging out on the street. In your poem, make sure you try to include as many different qualities as you can to capture the America you’d like to see.
Take 15 minutes to write your poem.