Click here for authlete instructions.
Voter Instructions:
- The countdown at the bottom of each pairing indicates how much time is left to vote.
- When voting closes, timer will disappear.
- Read both poems as many times as you like.
- Mark the poem you like best by clicking the circle next to its name.
- Press the “Vote” button to record your vote.
- Votes are counted in real time and cannot be changed once entered.
- You can only vote once from a given IP address.
- Classrooms should submit one vote as a class.
- Students can then vote again individually from home.
Things to Consider in Making a Choice:
- How well the poem incorporates the authlete’s assigned word.
- Technical elements: meter, rhyme, form, shape, and other poetic standards.
- Creativity: wordplay, imagery, unusual approach, etc.
- Subtle elements that make the whole greater than the sum of its parts.
- Your overall response: emotional reaction such as admiration, tears, laughter, terror, or some indefinable feeling.
Here are the poems:
1-dent
Long Ball!
by Michele Norman
At the end of the ninth score was tied.
And the team was a jittery mess.
I faked being brave with a swagger and strut.
Wore a scowl that was my battle dress.
With a nod to the fence stage was set.
Risked a swing at the pitch that was sent.
I opened my eyes as the ball sailed on high
And a car parked too close got a dent!
vs.
16-protean (PRO-tee-un)
Ms. Nimble
by Lori Degman
I go to a school that you might think is strange.
There aren’t any desks so they give us free range.
My teacher, Ms. Nimble, says fun things, like “Groovy!”,
and lets us play games, put on plays and watch movies.
And since dear Ms. Nimble is ever so protean
She’s teacher and principal and the custodian.
