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Showing posts with the label Performance Poems

The poetry of mathematics

Carl Sandburg writes powerful, energising poetry. His peon of love to Chicago explodes with the vibrancy of that wonderful city. One of my favourites is his entertaining Arithmetic in which he muses on this confusing topic. The images of numbers as flying pigeons is one which will return to you again and again. When reading this poem, pay attention to the pauses and vary the pace for additional confusion! For anyone who struggled through those hideous O level questions about walking a mile in one direction, turning 45 degrees and then walking another mile, this is for you! Arithmetic - Carl Sandburg Arithmetic is where numbers fly like pigeons in and out of your head. Arithmetic tells you how many you lose or win if you know how many you had before you lost or won. Arithmetic is seven eleven all good children go to heaven — or five six bundle of sticks. Arithmetic is numbers you squeeze from your head to your hand to your pencil to your paper till you get the answer.

A poem by a patriot for Saint Patrick's Day!

Robert Emmet (1778 - 1803) has the dubious honour of being the last man to be hanged, drawn and quartered by the British for his leading role in the 1803 uprising. An incredible character who combined bravery and romanticism, he is one of the greats of Irish history. Outside Ireland, anyone who lives in San Francisco, Washington or Iowa can see his statue. For people living in Emmet County Iowa, Emmet, Nebraska or Emmet County, Michigan, you are living in towns named to honour an inspirational man. To bring Emmet's words into your house, how about reciting one of his poems this Saint Patrick's day? My Own Land - Robert Emmet This world hath many a glorious land, Where beauty ever dwells, Old snow-crowned hills, and rivers grand, And happy summer dells. Of these the Poet in his lays, Loves evermore to tell, Where heroes died in former days, Where Freedom's martyrs fell. But my own land is dearer far, Than all, where'er they be, My own land - my own land