Poetry with Bree-Elizabeth
I am extremely delighted for today’s post, as it’s not only a breath of fresh air (something new and refreshing), but an introduction and the first of what I hope is many upcoming posts from a very talented writer. Bree-Elizabeth has jumped on board of English Outside the Box’s blogging journey, and I hope you are excited to be exposed to new literary works (pieces of writing). From poems to short stories, and other masterpieces in between, her writings will definitely provide learning opportunities.
Her first post is a poem! Pay attention to how she writes this rhyming couplet. Do you notice the rhyming scheme? You can also use the poem to practice reading comprehension with some questions following her work, and don’t be shy to practice writing by commenting and sharing your thoughts. Who knows, maybe Bree-Elizabeth will even answer questions you may have! This is also a great way to practice new vocabulary. I’ve selected and defined some words, but I encourage you to look up the definitions of any new words. Don’t forget to take it one step further and break out that thesaurus, too!
Well enough is enough, here is Bree-Elizabeth:
Hello, English Learners, my name is Bree-Elizabeth. I was very excited when Jennifer asked me to contribute to English Outside the Box! This website is a ‘pot of gold’ for anyone trying to learn English. I’m lucky enough to know Jennifer very well – she is my sister after all! And if there is one thing I know, she is a very passionate and devoted person. See what she does for you all only stokes my passion for learning new languages.
That being said, here is my first contribution to Jennifer’s cause. I can’t wait to write more!
The Girl
“The lonely girl left home to travel the world around her
And to see what different countries had to offer.
She arrived in the busy city on a beautiful winter night
But she realized the cold was not her only plight.The girl could not understand the words these new friends said
Their language was so new to her she could not even buy bread.
She did all she could to learn any word,
No one stopped to help until a kind boy overheard.Though they spoke different languages, they became good friends
The boy helped her find her way through the city’s twists and bends.
He was patient and kind when something happened the girl did not understand
And did not hesitate to give her a “helping hand”While the girl studied hard to speak and have fun,
The boy fell in love and knew she was the one.
Soon they were getting married to be husband and wife,
Because a kind boy gave a sad girl a smile and a new life.”
Vocabulary:
plight [noun]: difficult situation
kind [adjective]: gentle in nature, wanting to help others and do good
overheard [verb]: to hear what someone said usually by accident
twists & bends [plural noun]: referring to the streets and area of this city; an area that is easy to get lost
hesitate [verb]: pause/stop in doing something because one is nervous or unwilling
“helping hand” [noun] assistance, giving help
“the one” [noun]: refers to the person who will become your husband or wife
Comprehension Questions: (answer in the comment section, and we’ll let you know if you are correct!)
1. In your own words, why did the girl leave home to travel?
2. Why was the new situation difficult for the girl?
3. What are some of the ways the boy helped the girl?
4. What happened in the end?
Did you accurately answer the question in the introduction: What was the rhyming scheme?
AABB
Do you have questions for Bree-Elizabeth, about her poem, the idea, or her writing? Post in the comment section!
Can you relate with the girl in this poem? Have you ever set out for an adventure and faced difficulty, found love and/or happiness? Share your story..