COREY THOMAS

MS. AMIDON

PERIOD 2

                              

PoemDreams

by Langston Hughes

Hold fast to dreamsFor if dreams die

Life is a broken-winged birdThat cannot fly.

Hold fast to dreamsFor when dreams goLife is a barren fieldFrozen with snow.

Explanation

A dream is a goal in life, and is the ultimate motivation for a person. As Hughes says in his poem there is no direction to life without these dreams, life becomes meaningless and unmoving. The images of the broken-winged bird and field frozen with snow show life without dreams. A person must have dreams to continue toward their ultimate goal.

I chose this poem because of the simplicity and trueness of Langston Hughes’ words. I have my own dreams and these are what keep me on the path toward personal success. Without these dreams I myself might be without direction and motivation, leading a life without meaning.

SongI Don't Wanna Be

Gavin Degraw

I don't need to be anything other than a prison guard's sonI don't need to be anything other than a specialist's sonI don't have to be anyone other than a birth of two souls in onePart of where I'm going is knowing where I'm coming from

[CHORUS]

I don't want to be anything other than what I've been tryin to be latelyAll I have to do is think of me and I've peace of mindI'm tired of looking 'round rooms wondering what I gotta doOr who I'm supposed to beI don't want to be anything other than me

I'm surrounded by liars everywhere I turnI'm surrounded by imposters everywhere I turnI'm surrounded by identity crisis everywhere I turnam I the only one to noticeI can't be the only one who's learned

[CHORUS]

Can I have everyone's attention pleaseif you're not like this and thatYou're gonna have to leave

I came from the mountainsthe crust of creationMy whole situation made from clay dust stoneand now I'm telling everybody

[CHORUS]

Cont.

ExplanationIn society today, there is so much pressure to fit in and be a certain kind of person. This song is about setting your own goals and expectations as opposed to letting others dictate personal decisions making you who you become. Taking this approach allows for greater attainability because each of us is aware of our own abilities and limitations and how far we can push past limitations.

This song shows pride in being original and true to yourself. What has happened in the past shapes the future and is not something to be ashamed of.

Artwork

Stormy sky

Sun breaking through the fog

Seagulls

Claude Monet “Le Parlement”

ExplanationMonet painted the same object- except in a series, this shows how something can change just by viewing it at a different time or during different circumstances. This is intriguing about his series called “Le Parlement,” the same idea can be transferred to everyday sights and events. Think of something that you might drive by all the time, it isn’t the always the same, is it? The idea behind the paintings is what makes this piece or pieces jump out at me, the simple beauty of painting the same building at different times completely changes the mood and overall impression the painting leaves. Also, the overall impressionist style which stresses the eye and perception of light and movement on the appearance of objects.

Sunset

To-Do ListGRADUATE COLLEGE

GET MY MASTERS DEGREE

GET MARRIED

OPEN MY OWN HOTEL

PULL A FIRE ALARM

GO DOWN UNDER

FLY A PLANE

BE ON TV

WALK ON ALL 7 CONTINENTS

GET REALLY OLD