"The World Plum"

I really love this poem "The World Plum." Although it is very short, I really enjoy how specific and detailed it is.
Having such specific details such as "pout and push" and "provoked into juice," I can really create the picture in my head as I'm reading on.
I think it's a great poem because it keeps you so interested if you're able to create a picture in your mind while reading the poem without having to read it over and over to try and understand it.
I feel ask if I can actually taste and feel the luscious, perfect plum in my mouth!

"Your Catfish Friend" by Richard Brautigan

I really enjoyed this poem because not only is it talking about friends, but relating friends to catfish in a weird but very interesting way that I can relate to.
I feel it's explaining that if a catfish is beautiful, anyone can be beautiful. It's about the way you act and feel towards your friends. How comfortable you are and no matter where you are, as long as you're with your friends, the setting is always beautiful.
I think that it's important for everyone to have close friends and I believe that there's a "perfect place," as stated in the poem, for everyone and their friends to be together. Whether it may be on a relaxing vacation together or just sitting in your living room with your best friends talking all night long.
Everyone deserves to have a few close friends because if we didn't have them, we wouldn't be able to get through life without their love and support along the way.

"Spring is Like a Perhaps Hand" by E.E. Cummings

I though this poem would be appropriate to blog about because it's very sweet and also we are anxiously awaiting spring to arrive!
In this poem, I thought it was very unique and kept me very interesting because the writer was comparing and contrasting things, such as a "hand, which comes carefully out of nowhere."
It's intersting to think of it this way. I think of it as your body is constantly making movements all the time and you never know which movement will come next, especially with your hands. Just as you never know when spring is going to hit us one day, especially because it still randomly snowing. Everything is a surprise, all the time.
I really enjoy that it's such a different way to compare things. This poem reminds me that as life goes on, there will always be suprises.
I think this poem is implying that life shouldn't be planned, it's not meant to me. It's meant to be lived in the moment, and also to the fullest!

10 Poems I Enjoyed!

1. "Somewhere I've Never Traveled, Gladly Beyond" by E.E. Cummings
2. "True Love" by Robert Penn Warren
3. "The Look" by Sara Teasdale
4. "Ode on Intimations of Immortality from Recollections of Early Childhood" by William Wordsworth
5. "October" by Louise Glück
6. "Traveling through the Dark" by William Stafford
7. "City That Does Not Sleep" by Federico García Lorca
8. "Black Petal" by Li-Young Lee
9. "Spring is like a perhaps hand" by E. E. Cummings
10. "Your Catfish Friend" by Richard Brautigan

"It's Tough to Be a Teenager"

I think in this poem, every single one of us can relate.
Throughout high school, it's a constant feeling of wanting people to accept you. Whether it may be your parents or even some of your best friends.
It's always about impressing everyone and you'll do anything in order to do that. It almost seemed that people didn't really care about you unless you were 'accepted' by them.
Teenagers are little annoying, young adults, but they have feelings, too. I can think back and put myself in their shoes and I know the exact feeling of "hating the world and everyone in it."
I feel like this is mostly hormones but it's also a part of growing up. I think it's great to go through the roughest times in high school in your teenage years; because whatever doesn't kill you can only make you stronger in the end!

"A Red, Red Rose"

This poem really seems to describe someone's "soulmate." My question is, does everyone have a soulmate? Is there someone out there for everyone that completes that person? It makes me wonder if you think that you're with the right person, is there someone better?
I know at this age when people fall in love with someone they think everything is perfect and there is no one better out there for them. It really makes me wonder though, how are you supposed to know if someone really is your "soulmate?"
Also, what qualities should a soulmate have? Obviously they can't be perfect because no one is perfect. But I ask, what is it that can make someone your "soulmate?"
I think that this poem explains it very well saying that no matter what happens, through thick or thin, your soulmate will love you no matter what. Your soulmate will love you "till a' the seas gang dry and the rocks melt wi' the sun."

"Those Winter Sundays"

In this poem, "Those Winter Sundays," I think there's a deeper message. It seems to me that it's a young girl realizing that her father does anything and everything to support his family.
I think that growing up, until a certain age, children and young adults don't realize how much they need to appreciate their parents and what they really do for them. They're always complaining about anything and everything and don't realize how much time and work they put towards keeping the family healthy and supported.
It seems that no one ever can realize this and really thank their parents for simply just putting a roof over their heads and feeding them; because unfortunately there are some who are not lucky enough to even have that.
So I ask that everyone goes to their parents or guardians and tells them how much you love them and how thankful you are for all of the little things they do for you and your family in life.
I never really thought about this until after reading this poem and it makes me sad to think that I've never thought to go to my parents to simply say, "Thank you and I love you," for no reason at all.

"Wedding-Ring"

In the poem "Wedding-Ring," it seems to be a sad story about a marriage slowly falling apart. In the first part of the poem, it says "My wedding-ring lies in a basket as if at the bottom of a well."
It seems that this poem is saying that the marriage is slowly falling apart. It seems that although it is falling apart vows were made that can't be broken.
I think that this is why marriage is such a huge life-changing decision. Some people don't think that it's a big deal at all and would get married 5 times as if it meant nothing. This is why I think in our generation today young adults are rushing to get married and not taking the time and realizing how serious of a decision it is deciding to share your life with another.
My question is, what is the rush? Why get married at such a young age? No one is going anywhere. Relationships are very difficult and they take a lot of time and work. Taking the time and putting that time into a relationship can help in the long run so that no one's wedding rings will be "lying in the bottom of a basket." They will be on one another's hands and remain happy although they might go through good and bad times, they will always wear their rings together!

Further Reading of Into Thin Air

While reading the next chapters in the story, the author still is discussing historical figures and facts that have once taken place on Mount Everest before this certain expedition. I think it's important to compare and have the reader be educated on what to possibly expect in the next expedition.
I also really enjoy how detailed the story is. I enjoy how the author likes to state exactly the height of where the climbers are and the view of that height and really helps the reader to see the picture in their mind. It really can help the reader and audience to feel more involved in the book and/or expedition and almost feel like if they really let themselves go; they can even become part of the expedition.

What is Non-Fiction?

Non-Fiction to me is a story that is true. Whether it be someone telling a true story about something else, or even someone telling a story to the audience; it's a story that actually did take place and has actually happened making the story very real and alive.

Critical Response for Into Thin Air

While reading the first few chapters of Into Thin Air, I really am enjoying it so far. I really thought it was very important that the narrator of the story at the beginning made sure to explain all the historical information about Mt. Everest and exactly what kind of people have tried to climb it with others.
I really liked finding out where the name came from and also that small features on parts of the mountain were also named after people in their memory.
I'm very excited and curious to keep reading the rest of the story to find out what happened, but I think this was a great way to start off the story and educate the reader on what they're reading before they read the entire story.

Critical Response for "Everything that Rises Must Converge"

In the short story “Everything that Rises Must Converge,” it’s mostly about racism. Julian and his mother see completely differently on these views.
It’s interesting that a mother and a son can have completely different opinions, but they did. They had different opinions on everything. For example, Julian stated that “True culture is in the mind, the mind.” Julian’s mother stated that “It’s in the heart, and in how you do things and how you do things is because of who you are.”
Julian’s mother thinks it’s very important to believe in yourself and who you are no matter what; and Julian is still sort of growing up in a sense because he’s seeing the side of what his mother believes and has believed, and also finding out what is believed in the present time.
It’s interesting because Julian sees that it is important to give yourself a good image for others to see and for yourself, which is what his mother believes. Julian also believes though that now in this present time it’s not about what people think of you; it’s about what you think of yourself and how you present yourself to others.
Julian seems to be very strong willed to go against everything his mother says. His mother is very prejudice against colored people; although indifferently; Julian is not at all. Although one would think that as a mother, she would teach Julian the right ways and what to believe, it was very amazing how Julian seemed to teach his mother a lesson.
He makes a statement to his mother about a colored woman wearing the same ridiculous hat as her. He explains to her, “You needn’t act as if the world had come to an end, because it hasn’t. From now on you’ve got to live in a new world and face a few realities for a change.”
Society today needs to realize that although older adults that experienced this time period where there was discrepancies between races; it no longer exists. Children and teenagers are growing up in the present time realizing that one’s color of skin should not create a difference between human beings. Instead of adults teaching children what’s right and wrong, possibly adults can learn lessons once and a while from their own children for a change!

"Creative Response for A Rose for Emily"

After reading the short story, A Rose for Emily, I find that the title fits the story in a few ways. A Rose for Emily sounds as if it’s depressing and all the townspeople almost feel bad for her.
I feel great sympathy throughout the story for Emily and the way people treat her. If one has a problem with someone or something, the right thing to do is talk to that person to their face to solve the problem, right?
Well in this story, it seems that everyone that lived in this town with Emily did what was wrong. Instead of nicely talking to Emily and telling her politely that something smelled weird where she lived; every single person that lived in the town with her just tried to solve the problem by sprinkling lime juice and such behind her back instead of going and talking with her.
It makes me sad that people in the world are like this. If there is someone that you have a problem with; and if they really bother someone that much, why wouldn’t one just go talk with them about it? All the grown adults in this town seem to be very immature that they just spend their days gossiping about Emily when in fact; although she is not happy, I bet she spends no time at all talking about these people. There are better things to do in life than gossip about people.
I feel that all gossiping does is get people in trouble. Instead of just talking behind everyone’s back, why not go work things out with that person? In the end, if you do the right thing, everyone will be happy. If it’s not done the right way, then people are upset that others are talking about them or sort of upset at themselves for spending so much time talking about others. All it really takes is some simple confrontation that I think everyone needs to deal with throughout their lives at one point or another; whether it might be big things or even the small things every day!

Creative Response for "A Souvenir of Japan"

It seems as though nowadays everyone is constantly judging one another, even if they don’t mean to. People judge each other for everything. The way they look, the way they act, the people they’re with, etc.

Everyone is brought up differently, and has different morals and different intents on deciding what is right and what is wrong. It seems in this story that everyone that lives on the street of the narrator has an opinion of her. No one is very friendly.

People tend to instead of telling someone they disagree with their actions or doings; they instead avoid the subject because many people do not care for confrontation and would rather just avoid the situation.

Although the narrator is constantly being judged; she seems to be a very strong person. She knows who she is as a person and who she is being viewed as by others.

Perhaps knowing who you are and believing in yourself is what matters most and not caring of what others think of you is what is viewed as being a strong person? Although others might view a person negatively; it’s what one sees in themselves that really does matter.

"How-To Make a Relationship Last"

How-To make a relationship last and be happy is very difficult. It takes a lot of work from both sides of the relationship. It is not about changing one another; but about changing together as a couple for the better. It's about not only being lovers and physically attracted to one another; but being best friends and having common and different interests. It's about making sure that you have alone time, time with your friends, and time with your friends and your lover together at the same time. It's very important that you have your space from one another and separate lives but also lives together. Having the time away from each other makes the time spent with each other so very special when you do.
Relationships are about working together but also making sure to always have fun no matter what. As time goes on it always gets more difficult and that's why trying new and fun activities that neither person has experienced is always a great way to help the relationship. Going away on vacations with just one another is also a way to get away from all the stress and relax with one another and just enjoy each other more and more as the years go on.

Creative Response for "How"

What is true love and why is everyone so desperate for it? It seems that nowadays all women are searching too hard for it. I think they're trying too hard to fall in love and not letting it happen and more just forcing it to happen.
Long lasting relationships do get boring; but the fun in the them is changing together as a couple and making it work. Relationships are very hard and they take a lot of time and work.
Women are not realizing that you can’t assume that from the moment you meet a guy into the 30+ years of the relationship; everything will not always seem perfect and like a fairly tale. They think it will and they want to go searching for another man who they think could be perfect for them.
True love is something that needs to be worked through in relationships together no matter what. If the chemistry and love and fun friendship is there you need to keep rekindling the fire and making the relationship better and better as the years go by.
Many women are in search for true love and don’t realize that they even have it until it’s gone. Take advantage of what is in front of you and stop searching for something that you already have in every way.

Critical Reponse to "Sonny's Blues"

In the short story, “Sonny’s Blues,” it tells the story of the narrator’s younger brother growing up in their dark and gloomy neighborhood on the streets of Harlem. Sonny, the narrator’s brother, was explained by the narrator as his younger brother who “was wild, but not crazy.” He never thought that he was going to go down a horrible path until he discovered his extreme use of heroin.
When Sonny’s brother found out that he had been picked up off a street corner, he was sort of in denial. He always assumed that everything wasn’t as bad as he’d thought until he read the news in the paper. He didn’t write or send him anything until he received a letter from Sonny; which then he felt guilty and decided to write back and keep in touch with him.
Finally, Sonny then came back to New York. Sonny’s brother finally met with him and promised himself for the sake of his mother and father he was going to watch after Sonny and make sure that he was okay.
Their mother made Sonny’s brother promise to take care of him after explaining to him how his father’s brother passed away and they had never told anyone about it. She explained that family is what is important and you have to make sure you stick together through everything and always help each other out; and he promised her he would do so.
After Sonny’s brother heard about his father’s brother, his daughter passing away, and finally his mother and father; he knew he had to stick with his brother even though it was very hard and he was so bitter with him about everything.
When Sonny came home and tried to explain to his brother he wanted to become a musician, he didn’t take him seriously. He wanted Sonny to finish school and stay with his wife, Isabel’s parents. Sonny finally got frustrated and was arguing a lot with his brother and finally decided to go out on his own and join the army, and he did.
Sonny finally came back again and went on to pursue his music career in jazz. Sonny’s brother was so confused and back in forth and always wondered why he destroyed his life as he did and why he wanted to die. He said, “I don’t want to see you-die-trying not to suffer.” Sonny responded, “I won’t,” he said flatly, “die trying not to suffer. At least not any faster than anybody else.”
Sonny all along just wanted his brother to understand that he wants to live his life to the fullest just as he is doing. Sonny had a serious passion for jazz music and finally when he was home for good decided to bring his brother to a jazz joint and show him how strong of a person he is and that he truly does have a deep passion for music that gives him the good feeling of being on heroin.
When Sonny and his brother go downtown to the only joint playing jazz music in town his brother finally watches him play for the first time. He finally realizes that this is what Sonny loves and “he made it his.” Sonny’s brother finally realized that Sonny was content. He realized that no matter what happens, they have both been through so much with and without each other and in the end; all they need is each other to listen to.

About Me

My name is Katie Russell. I'm from the northwest suburbs of Chicago, IL. My major is Interior Design and my minor is Dance. I have one twin brother. I am a member of Alpha Phi Sorority. I love traveling, shopping, working out, gymnastics, dancing, and having a good time with my friends and family that I love.