Friday, November 13, 2020

Poetry Friday: Napoleon

Here's a poem that illustrates how many people develop their view of current events and history. And when you've read this one, Robyn has the roundup, where you can see what others have posted today! 



 

14 comments:

author amok said...

Wow -- that's a powerful poem. I'm left wondering about the tension between the children's empathy for Napoleon the dog and the knowledge about historical Napoleon that is fading.

mbhmaine said...

You always share the most interesting poems, Ruth. This one will linger with me. I find myself thinking about the power of personal experience and associations.

Linda Mitchell said...

Oh, my goodness. This poem threw me for a loop....but I get it. I get the boomerang effect that teaching children has. How many times has it come back to hit me in the head? Too many to count, I"m afraid. Great poem in it's weird way.

Alan j Wright said...

Ruth, the message that reaches me in the reading of this poem is that we are more likely to feel empathy and experience a sense of connection when it occurs within the realm of our little world. I appreciate what the poet has delivered. A most thought provoking poem. I also appreciate you sharing it with us.

Tabatha said...

This poem makes me think of the game Marco Polo, but I guess there's a greater connection between the game and the person than there was between Napoleon and the dog! Fascinating poem -- thanks, Ruth!

Mary Lee said...

Wow. Your post resonates with Jan's. If we don't know history, how can we write a better future?

Linda B said...

Naomi Nye is a wise woman. I love this anthology, a really special one from years past when fewer were offering poems like this. Thanks, Ruth!

jama said...

Fascinating and powerful poem, Ruth!!

Michelle Heidenrich Barnes said...

Whoa. What a great share for these times, Ruth. Just goes to show in these divisive times, nothing is black and white.

Heidi Mordhorst said...

Alan's comment is why I'm going to look up some public school teachers in Georgia and chat with them about voting FOR your personal interests! A fine choice.

KatApel - katswhiskers.wordpress.com said...

What a clever clever poem to make us think about perspective... And connection.

Robyn Hood Black said...

Thank you for sharing, Ruth - powerful on many levels. What a voice.
(I don't have this anthology but should probably remedy that! Or at least read it all.)

Carol Varsalona said...

I do love this anthology book, Ruth. It is now packed away for my move to Virginia (whenever that will be-just need to sell my house here). The poem about Napoleon reminds me of how younger children often relate content to self or don't know the facts. As Kat says it makes us think about perspective and connections. It is all within a school day that comments like these are shared by our youth.

Bridget Magee said...

Holy wow! This poem gives a peek into how kids (and adults?) experience the history they are told about. So many times my students relate a topic to their dog...or their brother...or their toy and then the rest of class remembers that tangential story. So interesting. Thanks for sharing, Ruth. :)