Two Voices

A Poem for Two Voices

You and your partner will need to compare/contrast an object. Here are some suggestions: animals, insects, professions, the flag, a computer, a clock, a book, or words. You can also think of your own. * Extra Credit if you use Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

Together you will create a two (three)-voiced poem to be read aloud. Most lines in these poems are spoken by the individual reader separately, and the speakers take turns going back and forth between the voices; however, some lines are composed to be said out loud together by both speakers. In the following example, the first line Being a bee is spoken together, and it is immediately followed by the solo reading of the second line (is a joy) by reader #2. This coordination of voices requires some rehearsal by students before they perform.
Honeybees
Being a bee Being a bee
is a joy.
is a pain.
I am a queen.
I am a worker.
I’ll gladly explain. I’ll gladly explain.
Upon rising, I’m fed
By my royal attendants,
I’m up at dawn, guarding
The hive’s narrow entrance

And the poem continues…
Think about contrasting verbs and adjectives… boring/exciting; tired/energetic
When read aloud, the poem needs to last a minute or so. The example of the above poem is definitely too short.

Students groups will record one another on the flip cameras.