THE POEM THAT WILL NOT END

Graham, J.B. 2013. THE POEM THAT WILL NOT END. New York: Two Lion.  9781477847152.

The Poem That Will Not End by Joan Bransfield Grahm weaves together a series of poems by utilizing a narrative framework to link these pieces over a variety of topics and structures.  The engaging mixed media illustrations underscore the story plot and each piece of poetry.  These poems pay tribute to some of the most normal day-to-day activities of the narrator.  It celebrates the role of poetry in normal occurrences and strives to show the reader that poetry can be found anywhere if only we will seek to find it.   He has been over taken by the poetic bug and cannot stop writing poetry about his life.  Before he knows it poetry has found itself in the most unlikely places.

It started with a rhythm,
a rhythm and a rhyme.
It wouldn’t let me stop,
it ate up all my time.

The draw of this book is the infection rhythm and rhyme schemes present throughout the pieces.  Even the main character’s name is Ryan O’Brian only reinforcing the role of rhyme in the book.  The author shares a variety of styles of poetry with the reader proving education of the style as the piece draws the reader in and keeps it interesting.  The familiar topics provide a connection between the reader and the pieces. The continual need to write even inspires him to write a couplet with french fries in the cafeteria.  “Captured” shows the futile efforts of the boy as he tries to escape “the urgent need to write” that “hounds him day and night” until it feels like a curse.

CAPTURED

I’m captured, won’t you help me find a way,

to free me from this urgent need to write?

It follows me and hounds me night and day.

I’m captured, won’t you help me find a way,

to toss aside this curse—| want to play!

You must admit . . . this is a scary sight.

I’m captured, won’t you help me find a way,

to free me from this urgent need to write?

Somewhat ironically, the book culminates with his teacher assigning a poetry writing assignment after he has just finished a day of fevered poetry composing.  At this point he has no poetry left in him and request he be allowed to submit the previously composed pieces from the day.  His teacher agrees and he goes on to deliver information on the poetry styles and literary techniques used in the book. 

This book opens the door for so much poetry study.  A fun activity might be to frame a picture of a common occurrence in the life of a student and have them write a poem for that common event.  Students could also create cards celebrating common events and compose a poem celebrating this everyday occurrence.  Choose a poetic for used by Ryan and integrate 3-4 literary elements.