"I Hear America in Need"

Each year, I like to have my students re-write Walt Whitman's poem, "I Hear America Singing." It allows me a glimpse into how they see America in its current state. My only criterion is that they have to entitle it and use the first line "I Hear America __________," where they include the word they feel is appropriate.

Last year, this was a success and I received two very well-written responses. They were very personal and very insightful.

This year, one of my favorite students, TP, wrote a great free verse poem that actually gauged the current state of affairs quite well. He wants to be a journalist when he grows up and I think that's a fantastic idea.

I Hear America in Need
I Hear America in need
In need of a leader that can settle everything
That can bring balance between the parties
That can handle healthcare
That can handle employment
That can handle taxes
America is in need of a change
America needs a leader
Can't you hear the crying?
The pain that our economy is in?
It's not that bad as of now
In the future - it will be
I open my ears and I try to see
I hear America in need.

Boom.

TP: 1 - Walt Whitman: 0