SATURDAY
AFTERNOON
by Kenny Carroll
TODAY WE WILL
Think of a place that you consider “home.” It doesn’t have to be just one place, nor does it have to be a place that you’ve physically lived. What place do you find particularly comforting?
WRITE DOWN A LIST OF PLACES. TAKE 5 MINUTES. THEN DISCUSS.
Now read the following poem by Kenny Carroll. In the poem, Carroll writes about his hometown of Washington D.C. and his deep appreciation and love toward it.
As you’re reading pay attention to reasons he feels so connected to the city.
Choose one of the places you consider “home” and come up with a list of reasons that make it so comforting for you. Then, when you’ve exhausted that list, come up with another list of reasons, this time focusing on some of the reasons why others may not particularly find your “home” so appealing.
Take between 5 and 10 minutes to brainstorm.
“HOMETOWN”
Today, write a poem in a style similar to Kenny Carroll’s “saturday afternoon” in which you pay tribute and express your deep appreciation to a place that you consider “home.”
HOMETOWN
The language Carroll uses is particularly important in expressing his love toward the city. Through his imagery, he is able to convey, in precise detail, how the city makes him feel. For example, instead of “jumping” over the fare gate, he “floats.” Instead of yelling, he “howls.” All of those images effectively convey how free the city makes him feel. When you’re writing, use details in which you appeal to the reader’s senses to fully express your feelings of elation and glee.
Take 15 minutes to write your poem.