Blog 13--Uphill by Christina Rossetti

"Will there be beds for me and all who seek?
    Yea, beds for all who come."

In the poem Uphill by Christina Rossetti, these two lines seem to clinch my thought that the road uphill is the symbol for Christianity. That there is a bed, and there is room and rest for all who choose that road that winds all the way up (first line, Uphill, Rossetti). And along the way we shall find some rest and comfort and we will meet "Those who have gone before." (Rossetti pg611) Also, this is a road which we must work on "From morn to night, my friend."(Rossetti pg610)

Blog Party Publicity

Technology and Kids

I am doing research on whether or not technology, such as IMing and text, is affecting our youths ability to spell, read, write and use correct grammar. Do you feel that shortcuts such as ROFL and BRB (there are hundreds of examples) pay a disadvantage to the learning mind? How do you feel about the over-exposure of technology used by kids?

Your feedback is much appreciated! I need as many comments on this issue as I can get. Thank you!

Blog 12--Epigram

In reading about all of the different kinds of poems I like the Epigram the most. An Epigram is a short poem ending in a witty turn of thought. Most of the ones I have read have a comical twist. They are clever and easy to remember.

Epitaph on a dentist
-Anonymous

Stranger, approach this spot with gravity;
John Brown is filling his last cavity.

When I read the first line I think of the angel of death floating down from the sky. In the second line we learn that a soon-to-be-dead victim is dentist John Brown. He is filling his last cavity while Mr. Death is getting ready for him.

Blog 11--When Maidens are Young

When maidens are young
-Aphra Behn (1640-1689)

When maidens are young, and in their spring,
Of pleasure, of pleasure let'em thake their full swing,
     Full swing, full swing,
And love, and dance, and play and sing,
For Silvia believe it, when youth is done,
There's nought but hum-drum, hum-drum, hum-drum,
There's nought but hum-drum, hum-drum, hum-drum.

"There's nought but hum-drum, hum-drum, hum-drum,
There's nought but hum-drum, hum-drum, hum-drum."
These two lines that are exactly the same, lept out at me because I can relate to them. Who hasn't felt like they are working their life away? Well, the answer is the young. This poem is a warning for "Silvia" to enjoy life while she is young. "And love, and dance, and play, and sing," because "when youth is done," it is nothing but repetitive (the reason why the lines repeat) daily grind. Especially in the era of which this poem was written. I feel like even though this poem was written almost 400 years ago, woman can still relate to it.

Song Quote Response

"Surrounded by Your glory;

What will my heart feel?

Will I dance for You Jesus;

Or in awe of You be still?"

-Mercy Me

I love this song! I think it is amazing to think of myself in Heaven. This might be an odd thought for one who does not believe in God, but I love to think about it.

The words that leap out at me are "Surrounded" in the first line, and "still"in the last. 

"Surrounded by Your glory" is an AMAZING thought. Gods glory all around me.

"Or in awe of You be still" to me is the most relatable by being completely surrounded by the most beautiful nature, and it is so beautiful that I just want to be completely still and quiet. 

I have always really loved this song, but it also brought new meaning to me when it was played at my Grandpas funeral 4 years ago.  It is a very beautiful and uplifting song.

Poem Paraphrasing

The Runner by Walt Whitman

On a flat road runs the well-train'd runner;

He is lean and sinewy, with muscular legs;

He is thinly clothed-he leans forward as he runs,

With lightly closed fists, and arms partially rais'd

I chose this poem because I am a runner. I have felt this poem in action.

Line One: To me, this line paints a nice picture. It is a nice run because its flat and he is well-trained. There is no sign of struggle on this run. I picture it is a relaxing run.

Line Two: He is lean and fit. He is a well-trained runner so his legs are muscular, but also when a runner is running, the leg muscles are really hard and working.

Line Three: He is thinly clothes which tells me that he is going a long distance or its warm, more than likely. He is leaning forward just a little so he is keeping his form. He is in it for the long haul.

Line Four: With lightly closed fists, because when you run you want to relax all your muscles and try to conserve your energy into the task at hand, which is running. You don't want to flex and put your hands in a tight fist because that will make your arms sore and it wastes energy. So, the proper and most relaxed form when running is this lightly closed fist and arms partially raised, bent at elbows. This guy definitely knows what he is doing when he runs. He seems to be out for a long relaxing run.

Found Poem or Haiku

I chose to do a Haiku because I think it is so cool how something so short can be so beautiful and keep a readers thoughts going long after the reading stops.

Waiting room waiting
to look upon the new face
miracle child.

Traditional Japanese Haiku follows the syllable pattern 5,7,5