A Poke In The I: A Collection of Concrete Poems
Janeczko, Paul B. A Poke In The I: A Collection of Concrete Poems. Cambridge: Candlewick Press, 2001.
Critical Analysis:
This unique collection of concrete poems compiled by Paul Janeczko is indeed an intriguing sight. As if mystified by the shapes and verse within the book, readers are able to experience how clever and captivating a concrete poem can actually be. The entire book, including the title page and table of contents are written in concrete shape form, immediately setting the tone for the reader of all the surprises that lie on the pages ahead. Whether it be the changes in font and text size, the position of the text on the page, or the specific pattern or shape the text is presented in, everything about the poems in this collection is concrete. The theme of the collection is diverse with poems about animals, people, and places; and it is evident that each poem has been carefully chosen to fit into this tightly interwoven collection. The artistic illustrations of Chris Raschka have been carefully created to serve as a companion to each poem they serve. The colorful and realistic use of collage makes the images seem to jump off the page at times. In the poem Skipping Rope Spell by John Agard, readers can feel the spin and twist of the jump rope as they read the alliteration filled verse, “Turn rope turn, Don’t trip my feet, Turn rope turn, For my skipping feet.” The images that have been created in the form of collages seem to be jumping along the page, making this poem very concrete and relatable to children as well. Children and adults of all ages will enjoy looking at the poems over and over again and experiencing how real life activities and things can come to life in just a few words.
POEM SPOTLIGHT
Popsicle
Popsicle
Popsicle
tickle
tongue fun
licksickle
sticksicle
please
don’t run
dripsicle
slipsicle
melt, melt
tricky
stopsicle
plosicle
hands all
sticky
Joan Bransfield Graham
Analysis:
Without even reading a word readers become captivated by the thought a juicy, delicious popsicle by just looking at this poem! In the shape of an actual popsicle, right down to the stick, this poem explores the feelings that eating a popsicle can bring about. The unique design and careful phrasing of no more than two words per line is captivating, while the reader experiences what it is like to eat a popsicle form top to bottom. In the beginning Bransfield describes the popsicle as “tickle tongue fun”, the best part is the taste of course. But as the popsicle remains unfrozen it is an inevitable fact that it will melt causing, “hands all sticky.” The rhyming within this poem works great with the pacing of the words in each line, and readers can in a sense feel the popsicle on their tongue and beginning to run. It is evident why Janeczko chose this poem for his collection, what better subject matter for a poem than a POPSICLE!
Classroom Connections:
Who doesn’t like to eat popsicles? What a fun way to share this poem with students, eating a popsicle together on a sunny day! Kids will be mystified by all of the poems in this book, but the poem Popsicle will be a great poem to discuss and use to learn more about the elements of a concrete poem because it is so relatable. To begin, share the poem and popsicles with the students. After the popsicles are all gone discuss the text of the poem, the shape of the poem, and how the two work together. It might be even helpful to share the companion poem, Eskimo Pie by John Hollander found on the opposite page as another example. Have students pick a favorite food and write their own concrete poem about it. Remind them to consider elements such as color, taste, texture, and shape when writing their poem. A concrete poem should be realistic enough, that it seems like you can reach out and touch it. Share poems with the class and discuss positive things that each poem included.
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