1. Poet: Saul Williams
2. Poem: Sha-Clack-Clack
3. Synopsis: This poem shows that the black people as a race have already overcome the largest hurdle of racism, yet they have not defeated the greatest foe of all, which is time.
4. Important poetic technique: Saul Williams has a way of using superb diction to power his point along with being able to make excellent connections with his audience. His way of using dynamics tends to force the audience to listen to what he is saying.
5. Favorite line: “I am a negro! Yes negro, negro from necro meaning death,
   I overcame it so they named me after it” This line stands out to me because it shows the driving force that the black race has used to keep on pushing past the ostensive racism and blatant name-calling.

1. Poet: Taylor Mali
2. Poem: What Teachers Make
3. Synopsis: This poem tells the story of why there is more to our life than just money, that instead making a difference will always matter more.
4. Important poetic techniques: 

Corbin G.

Why My Homework Wasn’t Done

     I took a long hard look at my feet as I muttered the first thing I could think of. “Well you see sir, this past weekend our class took a short submarine trip to the bottom of the ocean where many were left to their deaths.”

     

     “Ah yes,” acknowledged Mr. VanCamp “I remember that quite well, what an unfortunate turn of events indeed”

    My brain quickly turned to overload and I soon conjured up the greatest, most undeniable excuse of all time. “Well sir due to lack of poor judgment on your part, you decided to leave me to die with the rest.”

     “A decision I greatly regret. However I must know the details of your miraculous escape. How did you survive the poison?”

     I spoke in a tone of pride as I remarked “Surviving the poison was the easy part. You see sir, over the past few years I have dedicated time to developing an immunity to the stuff just in case of this treacherous situation”

     I could see that I had taken Mr. Van Camp a back as he curiously leaned in a little closer and questioned. “And then what happened?”

     “Using only the items I could rummage from my right pocket, I managed to jimmy open the ruthless door you left us to die behind.”

     “What I was able to find was a meager deck of cards as well as a small pack of matches.” I had him right where I where I wanted. I could dance around the topic all day if I wanted to.

     “That would leave escape impossible!” chuckled Mr. Van Camp.

     I racked my brain to come up with a compelling solution to this problem. “As many do not know, each card contains a thin layer of nitrate on the surface that can quite easily be scratched off.”

     In a somewhat angry manner Mr. Van Camp glowered “Of course! How could I not have thought of that?”

     “Aye Sir, all it took from there was the mere spark of a match to blow that door wide open!”

     “Upon opening the hatch to the deadly ocean above, I found myself bombarded by the ice cold embrace of water.”

      “This is no excuse as to why your homework never made it in,” Grumbled Mr. Van Camp “It would still leave you with plenty of time for it to be completed.”

    This is what I had waited for; it was time to unleash the ferocity of my true excuse. “Well sir, being the excellent student I am, I had brought my homework along with me to complete on this voyage. However upon attempting to swim to the surface this homework became quite wet and virtually unreadable. That is why I stand before you today pleading for a second chance.”

    “And a second chance you shall have! Never in my career as an educator has an excuse brought me to tears.” Sobbed Mr. Van Camp.