And now, for something COMPLETELY DIFFERENT!! You need a PEN!

So, yesterday after school I told Karen M. that we're reading poetry today. She was EXTREMELY concerned about this, because she's afraid that I'm going to DESTROY whatever poem it is that we're reading.

I understand her concern; sometimes we worry that over-analyzing something can ruin it. It's sort of like figuring out how a card trick works--once you know the trick, the magic is gone.

But poetry isn't a card trick; it's deeper than that. And, figuring out the trick of a poem can make it seem more magical, not less.

OK, enough of that sentimental old-school "Dead Poets Society" English teacher nonsense. 

In front of my desk is a copy of "If" by Rudyard Kipling. Grab a copy, skim it, and circle any words you don't know. Take three minutes to do this, no more, we have a lot to do.