1. This is a great way to get your students started with poetry and to build their confidence! Write
an "I Am" poem using this format. After writing the poem for yourself, write the poem again as a
person from your content area (a famous author, scientist, artist, person from history) Change the
information in the parentheses to suit your subject.
Self
I Am
I am a walking contradiction of tenaciousness and demurity
I wonder if there can really be goodness in every entity
I hear the joy in the laughter of a child
I see the twinkle of a dream in the eyes of motivation
I want to make a difference in the lives of our youth
I am a walking contradiction of tenaciousness and demurity
I pretend to smile even when there is no light in my eyes
I feel hopeful about life’s journey
I touch the coattails of recklessness without ever holding on too tight
I worry as my mother’s grasp becomes lighter each year
I cry for those that are gone but never forgotten
I am a walking contradiction of tenaciousness and demurity
I understand there is a purpose for everything
I say our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in getting up every time we do
I dream of being able to inspire others
I try to constantly better myself as a person
I hope I make a positive impact on our world
I am a walking contradiction of tenaciousness and demurity
2. Eleanor Roosevelt
I Am
I am a tenacious humanitarian
I wonder if we shall ever grow up in our politics and say definite things which mean something,
or whether we shall always go on using generalities to which everyone can subscribe, and which
mean very little
I hear the chants of activists fighting for human rights
I see the gleam of hope in the eyes of the people
I want people to remember always that you not only have the right to be an individual, you have
an obligation to be one
I am a tenacious humanitarian
I pretend a woman is like a tea bag - you can't tell how strong she is until you put her in hot
water
I feel that great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people.
I touch the lives of others
I worry we are afraid to care too much, for fear that the other person does not care at all
I cry for the dignity of those that are oppressed
I am a tenacious humanitarian
I understand that happiness is not a goal; it is a by-product
I say it is not fair to ask of others what you are not willing to do yourself
I dream of equal rights for all
I try to remember that it is better to light a candle than curse the darkness
I hope to make an impact on the world in my lifetime
I am a tenacious humanitarian
3. Template
I Am
I am (two special characteristics)
I wonder (something you are actually curious about)
I hear (an imaginary sound)I see (an imaginary sight)
I want (something you actually want)
I am (repeat the first line of the poem again)
I pretend (something you pretend to do)
I feel (a feeling about something imaginary)
I touch (an imaginary touch)
I worry (something that actually bothers you)
I cry (something that makes you very sad)
I am (repeat the first line of the poem)
I understand (something you know is true)
I say (something you believe in)
I dream (something you actually dream about)
I try (something you actually make an effort to do)
I hope (something you hope for)
I am (repeat the first line of the poem)
