English 2013: World Literature since 1660 Poetry Imitation Assignment Format: poem imitation and 250-word reflection Submission: as a Word document by midnight on Monday, September 20 (via Blackboard) Grading: 100 possible points, 10% of final grade Description: As we learn about several poetic forms and themes during Unit 1, you will write your own poem. For this assignment, you will: 1) choose a poem from our readings and note thematic and/or stylistic elements of interest, 2) compose a poem of your own that imitates those elements, and 3) write a brief reflection (approximately 250 words) that explains the choices you made and the challenges you encountered in writing your poem. (Since this is not a creative writing course, you will not be graded on the quality of your verse; rather, I will pay attention to how well your changes demonstrate knowledge of the original poem. Your reflection should highlight this knowledge.) The reflection should be approximately 250 words and may be written in a colloquial, informal style. Each portion of the assignment should be clearly represented in the final document, which should appear in double-spaced, 12-point font and be free from errors and typos. If you use any sources beyond the original poem, please cite them using MLA format. Rubric (100 points, total): IMITATION (50 points) _____/20 How effectively does the poetic imitation reflect themes, forms, and other elements from the original poem? Are there clear correspondences? _____/20 Does the author make purposeful choices to reproduce or modify specific aspects? _____/10 Does the author’s writing make clear whether the adaptation is intended to be serious or parodic? How does the tone REFLECTION (40 points) _____/10 How clearly and thoroughly does the author explain the choices made in poem? _____/10 Does the author discuss the process of planning, adjusting, and finalizing it? _____/10 Are specific examples provided and explained in relation to the original poem? _____/10 Does the author comment on insights and challenges of the writing experience? PRESENTATION (10 points) _____/5 Is the text generally free from grammar, spelling, and typographical errors? _____/5 Does the document correctly cite the poem and any additional sources? TOTAL: _____/100
 

Written at the Close of Spring

Beautiful crowns that waited to replenish after the cold winter,

Yet every morning, they sprung in the cold with hope,

And radiant petals that glittered and were able to cope,

Shone without fear and restlessness of any splinter,

Till the valley is blessed with a hinter,

And the flowers color the terrain in smoke

Finally, till the season arrives to gaze the scope,

Of a garland befitting the finest sprinter,

Worried of impending doom for humankind,

Are reflections of a brighter past,

The careless ways that can bind,

Humanity to a dangerous blast,

For a new season, the flowers entwined,

A delight to new beginnings with contrast

Perhaps the impact of Charlotte Smith's 'Written at the close of spring' on the world has been overshadowed by mere ignorance, which is human nature. In this poem, the author is simply creating awareness for protecting the environment. I have witnessed the impacts of soil erosion and even deforestation, which have caused unimaginable suffering. Surprisingly, even after proper education on protecting the environment, many people still falter in preserving the environment. Charlotte Smith has employed different stylistic devices such as imagery and juxtaposing, which as a reader, created a deep understanding and appreciation for her work of art. After reading the piece by Smith, I gained immense knowledge in environmental preservation.

In the first stanza, I discovered the author's imagery to create an aesthetic view of flowers. With new seasons, new flowers bloom, which is all part of an environmental ecosystem. Appreciation for the beauty of nature is a recurring theme in the first stanza as I was deeply intrigued by the many elegant flower species used in garlands and decorations. Smith was a harsh yet modest individual who genuinely cared for nature (Bethan 25). Additionally, while displaying huge disappointment for humanity in the second stanza, I was deeply moved and felt guilty of my actions, especially in environment preservation and protection. The author, through the poem, communicated two issues of significant consequences in the current world, which are climate change and environmental degradation.

In the poem, Charlotte Smith tries to warn about the effects of not preserving the environment. While reading it, imagery by reflecting the good olden days to the pending dangers of climate change caused a degree of worry and self-reflection (Bethan 25). I did ask myself whether humanity would be willing to lose everything because of ignorance. Before things spiral out quickly, quick action is needed urgently. Mass education on the importance of environmental preservation is a crucial pillar in the fight against the extinction of humanity. At the same time, Governments should draft harsh laws to punish those found guilty of committing crimes that harm the environment. Charlotte Smith expresses pure disappointment and worries about the ability of humanity by terming it as frail. I observed a degree of resignation from Charlotte that perhaps all hope in humanity is lost as a conspicuous declaration of flowers withering to signify death and hopelessness. After thoroughly analyzing the message in the poem, I realized change begins with one person. Living a green life free from plastics is the direction I'm marching on, even though I will face numerous backlash from those who do not share the same views with me. I encountered considerable challenges while in my writing due to the artistry delivered in the poem that makes it an exquisite read. The amount of foreboding in the poem yet again provided a timely reminder of how much wastage can lead to destruction.

            Eventually, when people fail to adhere to warnings such as those portrayed in works of art by Charlotte Smith, then disaster never fails to attack. As I continue to read extensively about the impacts of climate, I realize people are taking the subject lightly. Deforestation and encroachment into wildlife habitats are some of humanity's most insensitive actions that have negatively impacted its lives. I have devised new means to try and preserve the environment after a change in perspective caused by deeply analyzing Charlotte Smith's poet. Importantly, governments should conduct education in all quarters to ensure environmental preservation prospers at whichever cost is necessary.

Literature Question Outline

1. Poem Imitation
   1. Beautiful crowns that waited to replenish after the cold winter,
   2. Yet every morning, they sprung in the cold with hope,
   3. And radiant petals that glittered and were able to cope,
   4. Shone without fear and restlessness of any splinter,
   5. Till the valley is blessed with a hinter,
   6. And the flowers color the terrain in smoke

1. 7. Finally, till the season arrives to gaze the scope,
   8. Of a garland befitting the finest sprinter,
   1. Worried of impending doom for humankind,
   10. Are reflections of a brighter past,
   11. The careless ways that can bind,
   50. Humanity to a dangerous blast,
   1000. For a new season, the flowers entwined,
   14. A delight to new beginnings with contrast
2. Reflection
   1. Introduction
      1. Perhaps the impact of Charlotte Smith's 'Written at the close of spring' on the world has been overshadowed by mere ignorance, which is human nature.

1. 1. 2. Thesis Statement: After reading the piece by Smith, I gained immense knowledge in environmental preservation.
   2. In the first stanza, I discovered the author's imagery to create an aesthetic view of flowers.
      1. The author, through the poem, communicated two issues of significant consequences in the current world, which are climate change and environmental degradation.
   3. In the poem, Charlotte Smith tries to warn about the effects of not preserving the environment.
      1. The amount of foreboding in the poem yet again provided a timely reminder of how much wastage can lead to destruction.
   4. Conclusion
      1. Eventually, when people fail to adhere to warnings such as those portrayed in works of art by Charlotte Smith, then disaster never fails to attack.