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Poet: Gwendolyn Brooks
Poem: We Real Cool
Comment 12 of 12, added on September 3rd, 2007 at 10:14 AM.
While attending an "English Workshop" at Amherst College in the 70's, Miss Brooks just happened to be visiting the campus one day. She was encouraged to visit our group. One of our group volunteered to "read" this poem. He started off by reading the lines "We real cool. We left school. We lurk late", etc. When he was finished, Miss Brooks asked, "What makes you think I meant to have the poem read in that fashion?"
She then proceeded to read it as she had intended it to be read:
We real cool. We (emphasis on We)
Left school. We (emphasis). The remainder of the poem followed this pattern. Read in this manner truly reveals the underlying intent of the author which was not apparent to the casual reader.
Comment No. 4 alludes to the use of "We" as having special meaning.
Art from United States
Comment 11 of 12, added on June 5th, 2007 at 10:19 AM.
Your poem is very inspiring and wonderful. THanks
Marcus from United States
Comment 10 of 12, added on April 25th, 2006 at 10:51 AM.
I think this is a great poem to share with students who also think they are "real cool." It sends a message that is relatable and realistic. It's a deep poem in few words, which many students think can't happen. My students are going to read this and then write their own "We Real..." poem, imitating Brooks's style and simplicity.
Colleen from United States
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Comments
While attending an "English Workshop" at Amherst College in the 70's, Miss Brooks just happened to be visiting the campus one day. She was encouraged to visit our group. One of our group volunteered to "read" this poem. He started off by reading the lines "We real cool. We left school. We lurk late", etc. When he was finished, Miss Brooks asked, "What makes you think I meant to have the poem read in that fashion?"
She then proceeded to read it as she had intended it to be read:
We real cool. We (emphasis on We)
Left school. We (emphasis). The remainder of the poem followed this pattern. Read in this manner truly reveals the underlying intent of the author which was not apparent to the casual reader.
Comment No. 4 alludes to the use of "We" as having special meaning.
Art from United States