An ode to creative writing

As an introduction to poetry that wouldn’t exclude students who have had negative experiences with it previously, I chose to highlight a lesser known genre which can be free verse or rhyming and highly individualised; the ode.

Pencil, you are hard working,
for every day I use you.
You let me grip you as hard as I like
with no punishment if I scribble too fast.
I'm sorry if I make you dizzy sometimes
but I have to do my work. But dear pencil, know this:
I could never live a day without you
for every day I use you, but wait …
Maybe I should give you a break ...
but only at lunchtime.
Ava (Te Rerenga School)

Students quickly took to the genre after researching Pablo Neruda’s Ode to My Socks, amongst others and were highly engaged to write and share their own. 

Ode to my bed
As my warm fluffy sheets settle down on me and my duvet flutters down
I can't imagine anything better than being wrapped up in this cocoon of warmth and comfort.
A bed, small or tall, bright and bold is the same either way.
It still provides a warm cosy escape from the world's troubles.
Maddie (Balfour School)

We also talked about the aspect of gratitude being important to hauora and how poetry is an effective way of recognising and expressing this. 

Ode to cookies
The ultimate Chocolate chip cookies
Have a gooey and warm centre
They always taste fresh out of the oven
With a perfect circular shape

The ultimate chocolate chip cookies
Have heaps of crunchy bites
One lick and the taste sinks in
Only a secret dads know

The ultimate chocolate cookies
Go best with milk on side
And always too big for pockets
No extras for you to hide

Although we’re told to share
The recipe stays a secret
The cookies will disappear
If the recipe gets shared
Hazel (Banks Avenue School)