retrieved from readergirlz.blogspot.com on 5/3/2013

P*Tag

Authored by: Sylvia Vardell and Janet Wong

Photographs by: Sylvia Vardell

Published by: PoetryTagTime.com

Year: 2011

Kindle Version

ASIN: B005OSJ5PO

Critical Analysis:

In this anthology pictures provided by author Sylvia Vardell, are the inspiration for a lively game of poetry tag. The rules: a poet it tagged, the poet chooses a photo from a photo library found at http://teenpoetrytagtime.blogspot.com, the poet writes a poem inspired by the photo, the next poet must incorporate three words from the previous poem into his or her poem to keep the poems connected, the poet writes a short prose “connection” piece explaining how the poem came to be, the poet tags another poet and so on….

This totally electronic book is absolutely amazing! Specifically geared toward the teen age crowd, this eBook coincides with a poetry blog for teens and totally meets them where they are. Sometimes gritty, sometimes funny, and sometimes requiring a second peruse, or a third, the poems in this book speak to the complicated lives of teenagers. Poems like Ordinary resonate with those that struggle to be seen and heard while Broken might speak of the anger of a shattered relationship that may never be whole again. The feelings evoked can be intense and confusing just like those found within the teenage heart and mind.

Some of the poems are difficult to understand but that does not negate their beauty. The explanations of the poets thoughts about the photos that are to be found before each poem often help the reader to visualize the meaning while the three words that connect one poem to another add a bit of fragile continuity.

While not an easy read, it is my opinion that it isn't meant to be. After all, if it is an anthology of poetry geared toward the teenage heart and mind it shouldn't be easy. They are a complicated mix of adult, child, and someone in between so this book suits them. Kimberly Marcus’ poem Stamped is a perfect example of the complexity of teenage lives, fragile loves, intense thoughts and strong feelings.

                                                                I sealed my heart

                                                                fragile, handle with care,

                                                                added sufficient postage

                                                                bought

                                                                from every smooth look you

                                                                sent my way,

                                                                the appropriate address of

                                                                compliments,

                                                                a rush delivery of heat.

                                                                But I failed to insure it

                                                                against damages incurred           

                                                                from your cold, flat rate

                                                                response.

Connections:

This book definitely is a great way to entice students to write a classroom anthology during National Poetry Month. Bring in a group of photographs, artwork, and objects to class. Allow student

s to choose one and then explain the rules and have them write a poem about the object they chose. Be sure to remind them to borrow three words from the poem of a classmate. This may take the entire month as someone has to go first and then tag someone else. Be sure to have plenty of poetry books available to help students develop ideas about the form and voice they want to use.