This is another poem I've written in response to reading the poems in Janet Wong's poetry collection DECLARATION OF INTERDEPENDENCE Poems for an Election Year.
I went to school today
it didn't cost me
taxes make it free.
Founding fathers
decided all children
should have
a free education.
I didn't have to pay
for my teacher.
I didn't have to pay
for my school books.
At recess I went
out on the playground.
I climbed on
the jungle gym,
swung on a swing
I'm glad taxes
pay for all
these good things.
Just one more day until
Friday when I'll announce how you can win a free copy of Declaration
of Interdependence, a poetry collection written by Janet Wong. Also tomorrow I'm going to share one of Janet's poems with you from the collection.
The flag of the United State flies over our Capitol, over government buildings, post offices, at businesses and hospitals. Is there a flag that flies at your school? The flag is a symbol for our country. What does the flag stand for or mean to you? Can you write a poem about that? Have fun writing.
Dear Joy: I love the questions you're asking and raising in your poems! I do hope that teachers will use your poems/questions (and mine) to start discussions in the classroom. Young children might be puzzled over "taxes"; all they know is that their parents get really upset about the subject. A teacher who takes 2 minutes to explain what taxes are does a tremendous service to the community! And gun control: it takes only 30 seconds to explain that.
ReplyDeleteThanks for highlighting these issues and my book!
All best,
Janet
Joy,
ReplyDeleteChildren in some countries only get to go to school if they are sponsored by someone. Children in America are so blessed. Hold that USA flag high. Wave it now!
Linda A.