Three+Minute+Poems

//The concept here is simple but powerful. Ask students to write for three minutes on any topic that comes to mind. Then ask them to write for three minutes again, but this time they should try to make the writing __as different from their first piece as possible__ in terms of diction, syntax, voice, imagery, tone, whatever. The core concept — not stated directly but underlying the experiential process — is that one's writing style is a function of choices that are made either consciously or unconsciously.//

When you are done with the exercise, post one of your passages here as directed:

Pounding in my head Soft beats- boom, boom, boom Pain sharp like lightning spikes Boom, boom boom Prickly tingles Boom, boom, boom Aspirin making it subside

What makes an amazing me? It must be something different.
 * 1) 2What makes an amazing teacher? Is it the same thing that makes an amazing person? Interesting, funny, kind, thoughtful, caring, challenging? What makes an amazing parent? Is it the same?

The memorial She always loved the surf and sea and sand. Being with her friends outdoors she always felt happiest. Now her friends gathered in the surf without her. Her children paddled out beyond the surf, spread her ashes, left their lei. She is again with friends in the surf and happy; though not in the same way.

Loss. Departures. The sun setting, long shadows singing their song of lament. Why this? Why now? What recourse, what will we have left when the new day dawns?

You know, you're turning out to be one miserable fuss-budget: The sun ain't even hot yet, and already, you've griped about a dozen things-- the house ain't clean enough nobody respects you the fridge is empty somebody tracked mud across your damn garage floor somebody touched your golf clubs-- What's the matter with you anyway? You need to take a minute and start counting your blessings before you irritate the Lord big time