Sure and Loud: Understanding Family Through Poetic Perspectives

  Arlene Tribbia's poem "Sure" is a captivating short piece that I would share in a high school classroom because it beautifully explores the complexities of love and memory. The speaker is aware of his brother's troubled life but also cherishes the lovable childhood memories they shared. The poem highlights the juxtaposition of love and pain with a subtle tone, demonstrating that people should not be judged solely by their worst actions. Regardless of what his brother has done, the speaker emphasizes that they still love him.

Another poem I would use as inspiration for writing is "Loud Music" by Stephen Dobyns. This poem delves into the contrasting desires between the speaker and his stepdaughter, using music as a metaphor for identity and perception. The stepdaughter feels silenced by the music, which makes her feel voiceless. She seeks to find her identity in the space, yet the music seems to push her away. The speaker, however, suggests that music can erase the ego and serve as a form of escape, offering a sense of freedom.

Both poems reflect family dynamics through specific memories and emotions. Students can use these works to reflect on and write about their experiences with family members, showing two different perspectives on a topic. I would want my students to capture both the challenges and joys of that relationship.

Students can write a poem about a moment in their life that they felt their identity was either amplified or diminished, using sound or sensory details to convey their experiences.