Poetry Break - Unrhymed poetry

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Gottfried, Maya. 2007. Good Dog. Ill. by Robert Rahway Zakanitch. New York: Alfred A. Knopf. ISBN 0375830499

INTRODUCTION: Each poem in Good Dog is written from the perspective of a dog. The following poem has no title, but its “author” is a springer spaniel. You can introduce this poem by showing pictures of dogs (or more specifically springer spaniels) or share a short story about one of your own canine experiences.

Springer Spaniel
By Maya Gottfried

Mmm, mmm, mmm, scratching behind my ear.

Chasing that duck across the grass.

Swooshing and splashing in the pond.
In the sun.

Running and running and running.

Digging in the warm, dry dirt.

Thired, resting on the big blanket.
Beside you.


EXTENSION: Students can discuss with a partner what things they think their own pets would say to them, or you can do this as a group discussion. If more time allows, students can write their own poem from an animal’s perspective.