Random Ramblings and a Blueberry Muffin

The week is almost over and I am exhausted. Grading has taken its toll on my brain and I am wondering if it will recover ;) or if I am doomed to live a hazy, half-aware life! Determined to make sense when I speak, I have been pumping myself with coffee and finally slept last night . . . a lot. I am sitting at Maude's now getting ready to grade today's work, enjoying a delicious homemade blueberry muffin (thanks coffee shop guy), and drinking yet another cup of coffee. I am beginning to wonder if this is an addiction. Maybe I will take a coffee break for awhile to see if I go through withdrawal. Maybe.

I have had a great week of studying Whitman and Dickinson with you all. I know that they are sometimes obtuse (look it up!), but they have a lot to say. Whitman always choses to say his with more words and more veiled meaning than Dickinson. She writes what she feels and says what she means using very few words but a lot of imagery. I realize that imagery is sometimes challenging, but you guys did great. Whitman vs Dickinson, the triumph or the common man of America in stark contrast against the deep thoughts of a single woman. Whitman taught us of America's greatness while Dickinson taught us how to be great (chose your friends wisely, be willing to go against others even if you're considered mad.) While Whitman's study of black vs. white laid all men on equal ground, Dickinson's study of light vs. dark led her almost always toward pondering death.

If Whitman were alive today, what America would he see and would he still find ways to be controversial? Would he still see it with optimism? Would he bow to the burdens of Realism or allow his Romantic sensibilities to sneak serpentine into the words he pens? What about Dickinson? What would she see out of her proverbial window today? What metaphors would she conjure to symbolize death? Would pieces of advice would she have to offer?

For extra credit this weekend, write either a Whitman-esque or Dickinson-esque poem.

• If you choose Whitman, your poem should focus on America in some way and must be at least a little optimistic. You may also chose to draw a parallel between a common experience (think "Noiseless Patient Spider") or simply show me your view of America. Like Whitman, you should write in free verse (no rhyme).
• If you choose Dickinson, your poem can either offer advice/life lessons (think "Success is counted sweetest", "The Soul selects her own society") or deal with death. If you choose to write a lesson, then you should make it personal to your life. If you choose to write about death, then you should use metaphor somewhere in your poem. You may rhyme if you like since she often did.

Your poem is due Monday. There is no line requirement. Just make it good. Any questions? If so, ask in the comment section below and I will respond within the same day.