<\/p>\n
Intro: pp. 1-5<\/strong><\/p>\n -What definition do you have for \u2018solace?\u2019 What sorts of occurrences or thoughts represent solace to you?<\/p>\n -Ellen lists many different kinds of solace. Which kind of solace do you resonate with<\/p>\n most? Which one has the most meaning to your life?<\/p>\n -What do you hope to find from reading, \u201cSolace in So Many Words?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Bleeding Heart \u2013 Constance Vogel Adamkiewicz: p. 7<\/strong><\/p>\n -Is the bleeding heart a metaphor? If so, for what?<\/p>\n -What does the woman\u2019s age have to do with the poem\u2019s story?<\/p>\n -What remains and what changes?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Library Tours Invites You to Spend a Day with Islam \u2013 Constance Vogel Adamkiewicz: pp. 8-9<\/strong><\/p>\n -What does this poem teach? What kinds of memories, thoughts, and emotions does it bring up from your life?<\/p>\n -What does the \u201cSphinx-like woman\u201d who takes photos that flash like \u201cblinding sun as through bars\u201d express about the writer\u2019s fears and thoughts?<\/p>\n -Do you think that the ending of the poem expresses guilt? Longing for a better connection? Remorse? Or some thing else? Support your answer.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Turkey Pond: Scattering the Ashes \u2013 Kathleen Aguero: p. 10<\/strong><\/p>\n -Who is the \u201cyou\u201d leading with a \u201clopsided crawl?\u201d<\/p>\n -Do you think that the highway overhead represents changes, is simply part of the scene, or has a different important meaning for the writer?<\/p>\n -Pull out a few moments that you resonate with and explain why these portions of the poem appeal to you.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Stop to Think \u2013 Antler: pp. 11-12<\/strong><\/p>\n -How did your thoughts progress as you read this poem?<\/p>\n -What kind of an effect did reading this poem have on you? If you felt a change how did it feel, what was it, what did you think of or about?<\/p>\n -Do you hear a rhythm in this poem? Could you point to and describe which portions of this poem hold the rhythm? Does it make a difference if you read the numbers as words instead of just looking at them?<\/p>\n -Does this scientific approach to poetry appeal to you?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n For All Baby Knows \u2013 Antler: pp. 13-14<\/strong><\/p>\n -This poem\u2019s argument rests on the initial statement that a developing baby does not know that it has a mother. Do you agree with this? Is your answer based on science, spirituality, something else?<\/p>\n -Do you agree or disagree with other statements in this poem? Why or why not?<\/p>\n -What do you think of that Antler uses a scientific fact to point to something outside of proven facts? Do you appreciate the way that Antler mixes science with religion or spirituality? It is okay in your mind to make these steps from science to the unknown?<\/p>\n -What do you think of the broad message of this poem? Do you agree with it? Disagree with it? Explain.<\/p>\n -Does this poem bring up any sentimental memories for you? Can you connect your memories with the broad message of this poem?<\/p>\n -Choose an insulated, secluded, enclosed, or otherwise metaphorically \u2019in-utero\u2019 location and\/or moment. Describe the moment and the physical surroundings, and then describe what could be or is outside of your chosen situation. What does this do to your perception? How does this practice make you feel?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n First Breath Last Breath \u2013 Antler: p. 15<\/strong><\/p>\n -What kinds of things have you shared in this significant way?<\/p>\n -What does \u2018breath\u2019 symbolize or mean to you? In this poem?<\/p>\n -This poem is divided into two potions, what is the significance of each portion?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n And What If I Spoke Despair \u2013 Ellen Bass: pp. 16-17<\/strong><\/p>\n -Which use of an element (water, fire, air, earth, or other) do you like best? Why? What associations does it bring up for you?<\/p>\n -Can you untangle a line of thought from this poem? Describe how some imagery connects or is used to express this thought.<\/p>\n -What does this writer fear or despair about? What does she find inspiring?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Don\u2019t Expect Applause \u2013 Ellen Bass: pp. 18-19<\/strong><\/p>\n -Share a simple thing that you did today that you would like celebrated.<\/p>\n -What do you think of the idea of applauding ordinary deeds? Do you support it, like it? Why or why not?<\/p>\n -One of the poem\u2019s messages is that life is difficult. Name an obstacle that you are working on overcoming, or would like to be working on overcoming, and a small step that you made towards that goal (including naming it.)<\/p>\n -Name something simple that someone close to you did today that you would like to applaud. Name something that someone further from you did. Name something simple that your society did that you would like to applaud.<\/p>\n -Speak of a friend, relative, or stranger who is overcoming a difficult obstacle or difficult obstacles whom you are proud of.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Jack Gottlieb\u2019s in Love \u2013 Ellen Bass: pp. 20-21<\/strong><\/p>\n -What \u201clies beyond hope?\u201d<\/p>\n -Do you think that this author adequately describes Jack\u2019s experience – as a roller coaster ride? Discuss.<\/p>\n -How does this poem give you hope?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The Thing Is \u2013 Ellen Bass: p. 22<\/strong><\/p>\n -Consider the link between obesity, over-plentitude, and acceptance.<\/p>\n -What would it mean to have a stomach for life?<\/p>\n -Which metaphors in this poem really resonate with you?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Me & My Brother & The Skunk: K. Biadaszkiewicz: pp. 23-35<\/strong><\/p>\n -What is your favorite quote form this story? Discuss what the chosen line means to the character(s) as well as what it means to you.<\/p>\n -What do you think of this story\u2019s writing style? What kind of character does it give the story?<\/p>\n -How does the title \u201cThe Skunk\u201d fit with meaning for you throughout the story? What kind of a father does the narrator have?<\/p>\n -What do the characters in this story come to terms with? How?<\/p>\n -Are there any activities or personality traits that you or someone whom you know shares with one or more of these characters? If so does this story elucidate anything to you about the chosen individual?<\/p>\n -Why do the photographs mean so much to the narrator? List a few reasons. What do these points say about what makes objects memorable or important?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Why You Knit \u2013 Jan Bottinglieri: p. 36<\/strong><\/p>\n -Describe a soothing hobby of your own.<\/p>\n -Do the lines \u201cWhat you most wan to keep\/ you can give away.\/ You can love the yarn\/ but not what you make of it.\/ You can wear it anyway.\u201d mean something more to you than the obvious? If so, what do they metaphorically express?<\/p>\n -How is this author soothed by knitting?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Oliver \u2013 Jan Bottiglieri: p. 37<\/strong><\/p>\n -What is a \u201cdoveheart?\u201d<\/p>\n -How do you interpret the fourth stanza?<\/p>\n -Does this author\u2019s interpretation of God match yours? How or how not?<\/p>\n -Have you ever watched a movie or heard or read a piece of media that inspired you spiritually and motivated you in life? Describe and share a link if you have one.<\/p>\n -This poem describes contradictions (ex: \u201cGod and hunger.\u201d) How do these things coalesce and work together to bring about the poem\u2019s message?<\/p>\n -Is there a contradiction pair in your life that confuses, inspires, or broadens your understanding of what it means to be here, living?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hopes Rise – T.C. Boyle: pp. 38-49<\/strong><\/p>\n -What is the relevance of the doctor in the beginning of this story? What role does he play in forwarding the point of the narrative?<\/p>\n -What do you think of Peter and Adrian\u2019s relationship?<\/p>\n -What is the moral of the frog parable? What is the author saying by mentioning the disappearing and found frogs and toads?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Veritas Primatur Non Opprimature – Bret Calderwood: pp. 50-53<\/strong><\/p>\n -What is this poem about?<\/p>\n -What does this poem say about family structures and unprecedented changes?<\/p>\n -What is important about this author\u2019s grandfather? What are his main character traits?<\/p>\n -Is \u201cthe violent stream\u201d at the end of this poem a metaphor?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n 22 Hiding Places – Daniel Chacon: pp. 54-56<\/strong><\/p>\n -How does hiding create reconciliation? How do you think it satisfies the young boy?<\/p>\n -What\u2019s up with the mention of the second child at the end of the story?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Predictabilites – Susan Spaeth Cherry: pp. 57-58<\/strong><\/p>\n -Choose a metaphor and expand it into a short poem of your own.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Details – Joan Corwin: pp. 59-67<\/strong><\/p>\n -What are your favorite details about a past of current partner? Describe.<\/p>\n -Find a topic that you find dissatisfying and, similar to Evan Rhys, meditate on what was or maybe still is satisfying about it. Share your thoughts or discoveries.<\/p>\n -What do you think of the secret way in which Evan Rhys goes about his \u2018study?\u2019<\/p>\n -How would you feel about such a \u2018study\u201d being carried out on yourself?<\/p>\n -What does this short story teach about creating \u2018inner glow?\u2019<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Portuguese Sweet Bread – Amy Dengler: p. 68<\/strong><\/p>\n -Does this poem seem to have or to incorporate pagan elements?<\/p>\n -How does this poem reference family? Describe.<\/p>\n -Describe what kinds of deep associations can you draw from some one beloved thing or aspect of your own life?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Archangela Bautista – E. Michael Desilets: p. 69<\/strong><\/p>\n -This piece is about a traveler. How do you feel about this sort of itinerant life?<\/p>\n -Would you agree that only difficulties lead to such a traveling life?<\/p>\n -Do you think or believe that the main character is trying to run from something within herself, such as painful memories, or from something else?<\/p>\n -How do you interact with traveling people of this kind?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Faithful Departed – E Michael Desilets: p. 70<\/strong><\/p>\n -Discuss the hints which reference \u2018human interests\u2019 as opposed to \u2018higher\u2019 interests.<\/p>\n -What does this writer miss? What is this writer trying to reconcile?<\/p>\n -Have a conversation on the plays of words such as \u201c… Sister Assumpta, \/ Sister Redempta, Sister Forever and Ever Amen\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Stops and Starts – Kathleene Donahoo: pp. 71-82<\/strong><\/p>\n -What do you think of the mother\u2019s character?<\/p>\n -Ask and answer your own question about this piece.<\/p>\n -How do you judge the family interactions that occur in this story?<\/p>\n -What do you think the title of this piece refers to?<\/p>\n -Are there people in your life whom you judge and could express a deeper compassion for? Describe and discuss.<\/p>\n -Does this story help you to let off judging some person in your life? If so, then how does it help to do so?<\/p>\n -Consider the play of hospitality and irritation that is described in the story. Does hospitality seem to have a direct correlation with children? Why? What is the message that the author forwards in relation to these points?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Untitled \u2013 by Margarita Engle: p. 83<\/strong><\/p>\n -What does it mean to \u201cchoose the slow road?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Calculus \u2013 by D. I. Gray: p. 84<\/strong><\/p>\n -How do you think literary tropes mix with mathematical themes <\/p>\n Flowers \u2013 by Donna Hilbert: p. 85<\/strong><\/p>\n -How are the aging flowers like the women the speaker observes?<\/p>\n -Does society see beauty or value in the aging woman, or is she disposable like a flower?<\/p>\n -What is the attitude of the speaker to the women she observes?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n In Quintana Roo \u2013 by Donna Hilbert: p. 86-87<\/strong><\/p>\n -What is the significance of the word \u201cinterregnum?\u201d<\/p>\n -What part does the parrot play in the dream?\u00a0 The lilies?<\/p>\n -What is the speaker hoping to find in Mexico?<\/p>\n -How might a \u201cnon-believer\u201d find solace in the midst of grief?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Waiting \u2013 by Jayant Kamicheril: pp. 88-90<\/strong><\/p>\n -This act of waiting in line at the post office, within the context of the protagonist\u2019s story, inspires everything from patience to solidarity. Why, in the mind of the protagonist, does it inspire such depth of thought?<\/p>\n -The protagonist begins in past tense and moves to the present; he loses his train of thought and reminds the reader of what he was supposed to be doing<\/em> during this story (i.e., \u201cwatching the mail clerk\u2019s body language). What did you take away from Waiting<\/em>\u2019s form?<\/p>\n -Consider the last sentence of this story: \u201cLife is what people do while they are waiting to die.\u201d Is this a narrative of a protagonist filling empty time, or one of him given the aforementioned time to reach a new state of mind?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n In the Wake of My Son \u2013 by Jayant Kamicheril: pp. 91-93<\/strong><\/p>\n -Consider the different responses that the narrator receives with regards to his son\u2019s death. Some he finds dissatisfying, and some bring him solace. Why do you think he reacts in these ways?<\/p>\n -Discuss the qualities that we pick up from Anand, based on how he is depicted in this essay. What can we learn about his relationship with his father?<\/p>\n -\u201cContinuity, that\u2019s all I wanted to be assured of\u201d (92). What do you think about the narrator\u2019s reaction to the hospice patients and their near-death experiences?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Her Best Medicine \u2013 by Caroline Kanter: p. 94<\/strong><\/p>\n -What, do you believe, is the attitude of the daughter in this poem? How does she feel about her mother\u2019s determination to keep her hair polished?<\/p>\n -Why is Vonda \u201cmore wizard than beautician?\u201d<\/p>\n -On a similar note, why is the mother \u201cmore herself\u201d with her teased hair?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Alternative Eulogy \u2013 by Carol Kanter: pp. 95-96<\/strong><\/p>\n -Why would \u201cself-images of empathy\u201d be something to \u201cpurge?\u201d What else is the narrator purging?<\/p>\n -In what sense is this poem an \u201calternative eulogy?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The Advanced Course \u2013 by Carol Kanter: p. 97<\/strong><\/p>\n -Discuss the fishing imagery at work here.<\/p>\n -With the narrator suddenly bereft of a teacher, left \u201chigh and dry,\u201d would you consider this a poem of solace?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n High-End Grocery Solace \u2013 by Jodi Kanter: pp. 98-99<\/strong><\/p>\n -The narrator plans to \u201cshop until she\u2019s whole.\u201d What relief does she acquire from grocery shopping, and the fantasies that she indulges while doing it?<\/p>\n -What effect does the iambic pentameter have on you, as the reader?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n To Love an October Garden \u2013 by Elizabeth Kerlikowske: 100-101<\/strong><\/p>\n -Why do you think this poem is written with such distance?<\/p>\n -Much of the comparative traits offered to the plants in the garden are human defects: \u201cpimpled,\u201d \u201cbadly shaved,\u201d \u201cbald.\u201d What does this say about the relationship between gardener and garden?<\/p>\n -At the poem\u2019s conclusion, do you think the narrator has managed \u201cto love an October garden?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The Industry of Sleep \u2013 by Elizabeth Kerlikowske: 102-103<\/strong><\/p>\n -Throughout this poem, sleep is given several forms and appears in a myriad of settings. What ties this poem together as an entity, for you? How does \u201csleep\u201d present itself throughout?<\/p>\n -What makes sleep an \u201cindustry?\u201d Why do you think the narrator chose to include so much activity in a poem about sleep?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The Solace of Reading: How to Survive the Hormonal and Spiritual Upheavals of Midlife \u2013 by Kathleen Kirk: 104-110<\/strong><\/p>\n -Do you turn to reading for solace?\u00a0 If so, in what situations?\u00a0 Does it help?\u00a0 Do you ever feel like a perpetual seeker, like the author of this essay, or a perpetual reader?<\/p>\n -Do you tend seek out self-help books (like The Power of Now<\/em>) or primary sources (like The Dark Night of the Soul<\/em>)?\u00a0 Memoir (like Eat, Pray, Love<\/em>) or non-fiction (like The Gnostic Gospels<\/em>)?\u00a0 Or, like the author, are you an omnivore when it comes to books?<\/p>\n -Did you have a midlife crisis of any sort?\u00a0 If so, what did you do to cope?\u00a0 Did you come through it OK?\u00a0 Do you know yourself better now?<\/p>\n -Do you ever worry that you are escaping into a diversion, as the author worries about \u201cescaping into reading\u201d?\u00a0 Do you ever retreat into fantasy, hobbies, television, or other people\u2019s lives instead of confronting the realities of your own life?\u00a0 Or is immersion in real life a source of solace for you?<\/p>\n -Why do you read?\u00a0 How has reading enriched your own life?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Postponing a Response to the Fact of Mortality \u2013 by Kathleen Kirk: pp. 111-113<\/strong><\/p>\n -In what ways do you postpone a response to the fact of mortality, your own or someone else\u2019s?\u00a0 Is this postponement a kind of denial, perhaps a necessary stage of grief?<\/p>\n -Have you ever experienced grief-in-advance the way the student Fatima does in this prose poem, and in the essay that follows?\u00a0 Or have you witnessed or heard about such an experience?<\/p>\n -Does humor or some other form of lightness help you cope with fear or denial, or the fact of your own mortality?<\/p>\n -Did the essay help you make sense of the prose poem?<\/p>\n -What does the prose poem do that the essay cannot do?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The Heartbreak House \u2013 by Kathleen Kirk: pp. 114<\/strong><\/p>\n -Were you familiar with the term \u201cheartbreak house\u201d before you read this poem?\u00a0 If so, did you know it from the play Heartbreak House by George Bernard Shaw or in the way it is used here, as a term used by realtors to label that house that breaks your heart because you made an offer on it that was rejected?\u00a0 If not, does the poem define the term for you, in the real estate sense?\u00a0 Does it also suggest another definition?<\/p>\n -The background reference to Heartbreak House would be a literary allusion in this poem.\u00a0 What is important about the other allusions in this poem?: 1) The opening reference to St. Francis of Assisi 2) The quotation from Emily Dickinson: I cannot live with you\u2014it would be life! Emily Dickinson, like St. Francis, was a great lover of birds and also wrote: \u201cHope\u201d is the thing with feathers\u2014\/ That perches in the soul\u2014<\/p>\n -Who is the \u201cyou\u201d in this poem, and why does the speaker (the \u201cI\u201d) address this \u201cyou\u201d so directly and intimately?<\/p>\n -Why does speaker say she could \u201csing to you\u201d and \u201ctransform you\u201d into birds or those \u201cwho eat these small crumbs for sustenance.\u201d\u00a0 Who would this \u201call\u201d be if not birds?<\/p>\n -Why is the speaker still yearning for this house? Why does she want the \u201cyou\u201d to<\/p>\n read her lips?\u00a0 What are they saying?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Nagasaki Shadows \u2013 by D. J. Lachance: pp. 115-116<\/strong><\/p>\n -The nurse in this story discusses three different types of shadows with her patient. What kind of shadow is primarily represented? What are the \u201cNagasaki shadows?\u201d<\/p>\n -Why do you think the protagonist allows his football fans to visit him?<\/p>\n -Why do you think the protagonist decides to have the name on his patient chart changed? What personal adjustment will follow for him, after the story\u2019s conclusion?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Lead Us Not \u2013 Kerry Langan: pp. 117-125<\/strong><\/p>\n -Discuss the themes of crime and punishment in this story.<\/p>\n -Why do you think Mary connects with Michael? Why do you think the class sides with him when he flees the classroom?<\/p>\n -What about Sister Serena, specifically, makes her so easily vulnerable to Michael\u2019s antics?<\/p>\n -After Mary has been granted her Christmas wish of long hair, why does she still pursue the Little Kiddles dolls?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Songs \u2013 by Philip Levine: pp. 126-127<\/strong><\/p>\n –<\/strong>What traits does the narrator attribute to \u201csongs that mattered?\u201d Why, given what we are told about the singer and the poem\u2019s narrator, do you think these traits stand out?<\/p>\n -Discuss the presence of solace in this poem.<\/p>\n <\/strong><\/p>\n Waking in Alicante \u2013 by Philip Levine: pp. 128-131<\/strong><\/p>\n -Why do you think the narrator has chosen to take his son to Alicante for one night?<\/p>\n -Read the poem aloud. How does it feel to you? Why do you think the poet chose to write it in this form?<\/p>\n -Discuss the sensory imagery present in this poem, especially \u2018taste.\u2019<\/p>\n <\/strong><\/p>\n Winter in Bosnia \u2013 by Lisa Liken: pp. 132-133<\/strong><\/p>\n -Discuss the juxtaposition of innocence and violence in this poem.<\/p>\n -Why do you think the poet chose to use such a distant voice?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Fighting Inertia \u2013 by Susan O\u2019Donnell Mahan: p. 134<\/strong><\/p>\n -Consider the change in formatting in the last stanza of this poem: from \u201cbut let me go forth\u201d to \u201cand I will go forth.\u201d<\/p>\n -Why do you think that this poem, a reflection on a loved one\u2019s passing, is told in the present tense?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n They Call Me Grumpy \u2013 by Susan O\u2019Donnell Mahan: p. 135<\/strong><\/p>\n -The narrator suggests that she lost her \u201ctrue self\u201d when she was not using her grumpy exterior as a defense. Discuss this.<\/p>\n -What about this poem, in particular? Is it told in the voice of the narrator\u2019s \u201ctrue self,\u201d or as her \u201cgrumpy\u201d self? Or does it fall somewhere in the middle?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Sometimes \u2013 by Pamela Malone: p. 136<\/strong><\/p>\n -Why does the narrator of the poem seek solace?<\/p>\n -What is her attitude toward her husband and sons?<\/p>\n -Does she wish for a permanent or temporary break from them?<\/p>\n -What is her relationship to her house?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Out of Hate Speech, a New Language \u2013 by Teresa S. Mathes: pp. 137-139<\/strong><\/p>\n -Consider how the narrator receives different responses from her family and friends when they hear about the posted death threat. What makes assistance \u201cpassive\u201d vs. \u201cactive,\u201d and is one better than the other?<\/p>\n -What do you think about the narrator\u2019s conclusions regarding male-female communication?<\/p>\n -What is this \u201cnew language\u201d to which the narrator refers in her title? Who speaks it?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Alleys \u2013 Michael Constantine McConnell: pp. 140-144<\/strong><\/p>\n -What do you think of this story\u2019s portrayal of loss of innocence? To what extent does a parental figure control a child\u2019s loss of innocence?<\/p>\n -Discuss the theme of culture\/ethnicity in this story.<\/p>\n -Why do you think that malaka <\/em>is never defined?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Faith \u2013 Ann McNeal: p. 145<\/strong><\/p>\n -Why is this poem called Faith<\/em>?<\/p>\n -Why do you think this poem is written in the second person? Given that it begins in a reflective tone (\u201cYou don\u2019t remember it, my children\u201d), why do you think that this poem is written with such immediacy?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n A Strange Episode of an Aqua Voyage \u2013 by Joe Meno: pp. 146-149<\/strong><\/p>\n -The protagonist mentions his frustration at having missed the conclusion of the Aqua Voyage episode, saying that, \u201cin this world, the world above the sea, nothing ever goes that easily.\u201d What do you think about this mindset?<\/p>\n -In this story, the protagonist finds several forms of relief from his medical ailments\u2014all on late-night television. What about this kind of entertainment provides such solace?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n What It\u2019s All About \u2013 by Pamela Miller: p. 150<\/strong><\/p>\n -What do you think of the corrective nature of how this narrator defines love?<\/p>\n -What do you think she is referring to in a \u201clove letter yet to be written?\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n A Caring Place \u2013 by Tekla Dennison Miller: pp. 151-153<\/strong><\/p>\n -Why do you think the protagonist made the adjustment from a solitary form of exercise to group activity? How do you think that changed the way that she viewed physical activity?<\/p>\n -Consider the name of her group: Durango Women at Play.<\/p>\n -Why do you think the protagonist chose to begin her essay with the Ditka quote?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Nature\u2019s Balancing Act \u2013 by S. Minanel: p. 154<\/strong><\/p>\n -To whom is the \u201cwho\u2019s\u201d in line 2 referring?<\/p>\n -Why the em dashes at the end of the first three lines? What does this form do for you?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Coconut Milk \u2013 by Paula W. Peterson: pp. 155-159<\/strong><\/p>\n -Why do you think the narrator refuses reconciliation specifically with regards to food items she enjoyed as a child?<\/p>\n -Why do you think she wrote this in a retrospective voice?<\/p>\n -Discuss the theme of loss of innocence<\/em> in this piece.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hearing My Prayers \u2013 by Jeff Poniewaz: p. 160<\/strong><\/p>\n -Discuss the image of the \u201ceyeless wren.\u201d Why do you think this was included?<\/p>\n -Discuss the theme of listening and, similarly, being a listener.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Jardim Zoologico \u2013 by Arthur Powers: p. 161<\/strong><\/p>\n -The narrator uses very pointed language throughout: adults are referred to as \u201cthe old people,\u201d whereas their children have \u201csoft, malleable flesh.\u201d What did you take from these phrases and others?<\/p>\n -Answer the question that is asked in this poem: Why put cows in a zoo?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Last Trip Together \u2013 by Pat Rahmann: pp. 162-163<\/strong><\/p>\n -Why do you think the poet chose such harrowing images to describe a typically light-hearted activity?<\/p>\n -Consider the vague tone at work here. For example, the family goes to \u201csome lush summered place,\u201d and the type of fruit that they are picking is never mentioned. Why?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Seeking Solace for Depression and Fever of Unknown Origin \u2013 by Jenna Rindo: pp. 164-165<\/strong><\/p>\n -Why do you think the narrator chose a bulleted format for this piece? How did you feel about the use of second person?<\/p>\n -Consider the idea of begging forgiveness for sins \u201cleft undone.\u201d What do you think she means?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Addicted \u2013 by Laura Rodley: p. 166<\/strong><\/p>\n -How did you feel about the format of this piece?<\/p>\n -Given that most of the focus is on the horses, why do you think the author chose to write about addiction to other animals as well? Did this contribute or detract from the piece?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The Negative Confession of the Scribe \u2013 by Dennis Saleh: pp. 167-168<\/strong><\/p>\n -What do you think of the idea of an underworld in which one gains passage by focusing on the transgressions not <\/em>committed, rather than those committed?<\/p>\n -Further, how does that come across in this poem?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Music Lesson \u2013 by Barry Silesky: p. 169<\/strong><\/p>\n -Discuss the coupling of the music student and the pigeons as images.<\/p>\n -What is the narrator experiencing anew by listening to the student, rather than a performance? He says, \u201cAll this time and I haven\u2019t\/understood;\u201d has his comprehension changed by the end of the poem?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The New Animal \u2013 by Barry Silesky: p. 170<\/strong><\/p>\n -What did you think of the stream-of-consciousness format that Silesky employed here? Did it work for you?<\/p>\n -What did you learn about the narrator after reading this piece? What did the voice tell you? What did the language tell you?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The Paperboy \u2013 by Dan Sklar: pp, 171-176<\/strong><\/p>\n -What solace does the paper route provide Danny?<\/p>\n -Discuss the theme of music and musicians present in this essay.<\/p>\n -Discuss the themes of solitude and loneliness.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Backyard Burial \u2013 by Noel Sloboda: p. 177<\/strong><\/p>\n -In a poem that is about a death and respecting a past life, why do you think the narrator has chosen to also address the future?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Heartbeat \u2013 by J. Scott Smith: pp. 178-186<\/strong><\/p>\n -Why does Buck decide not to report Terry Dale\u2019s actions to his parents?<\/p>\n -What forces drive Buck Odom to heal after his daughter\u2019s death? What forces inhibit his healing process?<\/p>\n -Discuss the theme of responsibility in this story.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n April \u2013 by Laurence Snydal: p. 187<\/strong><\/p>\n -Consider the last two lines of this poem. What do you think about a view of the spring noting death and burial?<\/p>\n -Why do you think the poet chose to include alliteration in this work?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n The Captive \u2013 by Laurence Snydal: p. 188<\/strong><\/p>\n -Discuss the \u201csecret bulb.\u201d<\/p>\n -Who is the captive in this poem? Are there several?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Starting to Breathe \u2013 by Patty Somlo: pp. 189-193<\/strong><\/p>\n -Consider the narrator\u2019s statement: \u201cI am an egg.\u201d What do you take from this?<\/p>\n -Why does Barbara direct so much focus towards teaching the narrator to breathe?<\/p>\n -Discuss the theme of sensation\/numbness in this piece.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n March Wind \u2013 by Wally Swist: p. 194<\/strong><\/p>\n -Discuss the ways that the March wind is portrayed in this poem. What traits might you give it within the context of the poem? What traits might you give it on your own terms?<\/p>\n -Why do you think that the narrator chose to write this poem in the second person?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Nothing Lasts, Nothing Is Lost \u2013 by Sheila Mullen Twyman: pp. 195-196<\/strong><\/p>\n -Discuss the juxtaposition of the old and the young in this poem.<\/p>\n -What is the narrator\u2019s reaction to the felling of the cherry tree?<\/p>\n -Consider the title of this poem. What do you think the poet is trying to say?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Breathe \u2013 by Patti Wojcik Wahlberg: p. 197<\/strong><\/p>\n -Consider the mother\u2019s and the daughter\u2019s fears. How are they similar? How are they different?<\/p>\n -Discuss the theme of control in this poem.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Comfort \u2013 by Patti Wojcik Wahlberg: p. 198<\/strong><\/p>\n -What about the three o\u2019clock hour do you think provides such comfort for the poet? Does the hour provide significant comfort for you? What images do you associate with that hour?<\/p>\n -The narrator uses words like \u201csafe\u201d and \u201csurvive\u201d to describe the day. Why do you think she associates those words with the images used?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Attack on America, 9\/11\/01 \u2013 by Sarah Brown Weitzman: pp. 199-200<\/strong><\/p>\n -Why do you think that the poet concluded her poem with a quote from a \u201cdoomed man?\u201d What do you take from this?<\/p>\n -Why do you think that the poet chose to write part of the poem in the present tense? How would it have read differently, had all of it been written in the past tense (or all in the present)?<\/p>\n -Discuss the comparison of the Towers to Babble. How is this theme present throughout the poem?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Some questions were suggested by the contributors, others were written by Yana Passater, and the whole project was finalized by Laura Briskman.\u00a0 THANKS!<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Intro: pp. 1-5 -What definition do you have for \u2018solace?\u2019 What sorts of occurrences or thoughts represent solace to you? -Ellen lists many different kinds of solace. Which kind of solace do you resonate with most? Which one has the most meaning to your life? -What do you hope to find from reading, \u201cSolace […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":3,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":{"0":"post-4048","1":"page","2":"type-page","3":"status-publish","5":"entry"},"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/solaceinabook.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/4048","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/solaceinabook.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/solaceinabook.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/solaceinabook.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/solaceinabook.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4048"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/solaceinabook.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/4048\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4058,"href":"https:\/\/solaceinabook.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/4048\/revisions\/4058"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/solaceinabook.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/3"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/solaceinabook.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4048"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
\nin this sonnet to further illustrate its intended meanings?<\/p>\n