Sequence of Activities:
Free Write (5 minutes)
Start the class off with a timed free write.
Literary Model (5 minutes)
Ask a volunteer to read William Carlos Williams’ “Between Walls” for the class. Then play this recording of Williams performing the poem.
Discussion (15 minutes)
As much as possible, I encourage students to lead discussions, but here are some talking points and potential directions you might want to steer the class in:
- Where does this poem take place?
- What do you notice in this poem?
- What makes this poem different than other poems?
- What makes this poem “poemy”?
- What do you like about it?
- What do you dislike?
- What is “imagery”? What do you notice about the use of imagery here?
Prompt (15 minutes)
Depending on the direction of the conversation, below are possible prompts. You can also give students the option of choosing their favorite prompt.
- Describe what you imagine to be behind a hospital.
- Behind a grocery store.
- Behind a nail salon.
- Describe a piece of trash as if it were beautiful.
- Describe anything considered artificial or man-made you find stunning.
- Describe something in your room no one sees.
- Describe something in your heart no one sees.
- Describe something you saw today in under 22 words (the length of “Between Walls”).
- Zoom into an image and describe it in under 22 words.
- Describe something broken.
- Describe a piece of litter you would find discarded in the grass at the park.
Bonus:
- Pick any prompt and use as few words as possible.
- Pick any prompt and go into detail on one image or event.
Share (5 minutes)
Ask students to share!
EXAMPLE:
The City Lights
The lights
of the
city, it’s so
pretty
standing on
the
hill looking
from
afar, on
the hill
there is broken glass
it fits in
with the lights
light bounces
off the glass
the view is
beautiful
you have no
words you
just stare.
- Mariah S., Imago Dei Middle School, Spring 2024
