Epigraph

     Last Thursday I presented a poem with an epigraph by Wistawa Szymborska.  I discussed the term "epigraph" and suggested that you try writing your own poem with an epigraph.
     In talking with Jessie Artes about epigraphs, he mentioned one from his mom.
"A hard time will make a monkey eat pepper," by Arnell Artes. I did a goggle search on this phrase and found it was an old Southern saying.Have you heard it before.

HARD TIMES

Hard time will make a monkey eat pepper-- Arnell Artes

You know the hard times,
we've all had them
I walked to school
in the snow
once had only peanut butter
and crackers to eat for a week
shoe holes stuffed with newspaper
collars turned inside out
to get twice the wear
I wore skirts made from
Daddy's trousers.
Nothing was wasted
but any time I didn't
clean my plate
mom would mention
that monkey.

Words

"Do not hold it against me, O speech, that I borrow weighty words,
and then labor to make them light."  Wislawa Szymborska

fly overhead, stuffed
like cartoon bubbles
balloons I rope in
they burst,
so much
hot air


    The quote at the beginning of the poem is called an epigraph.  Can you write your own poem today that uses an epigraph at the beginning, a quote that adds meaning to your poem?  The quote or phrase doesn't have to be from a famous person, it could be something your dad, mom or teacher says.  Like "History is my favorite subject."  Then your poem could be about something historical, or other things your teacher says. "Look at that." my dad.  The poem could be about things you notice, or something you've seen.  You can also look in the newspaper or magazines for epigraphs.  be sure to remember to let the reader know where you got the information, or who said your epigraph.  The title of this poem leads into the first line.
    Do you know who Wislawa Szymborska was?  Can you find her poetry on the web?