“Kabul” poem mentor text assignment

Directions: Revisit the poem, “Kabul” that we read at the beginning of our unit. Using that poem
as a mentor text, write a poem of your own that exalts a place that is beautiful and emotional for
you. It can be anywhere; your aim is to show us the beauty of a place that may be overlooked or
even stereotyped by others.

Orcas Island

Oh, the serenity of Orcas Island

Her trees of life and countless waters to which she is betrothed
Ocean mist sprays my face as she makes her presence known
But I love her, for this is her expression of tenderness

My song expresses my desire to be in her embrace

Her beloved youth roams the fields in search of sweetness
She peppers my face with kisses of rainfall
Her spirit manifests itself in ways I have yet to discover

From the music festivals my grandfather played in the ’70s

To the 4th of July parades in the park today
Her purple sunset skies remained throughout all time
Gently lit by lightning bugs and the smiles of her people

If you look deeper into her soul

You will find her passion in the waves that crash upon the shores
Her hushed laughter echoes in the wind as it passes through the trees
Her songs of wisdom comfort me in times of need

There is no greater joy than to be in the presence of Lady Orcas

Her grains of sand tickle my feet as I travel across her beachside belly
The roots of her heart I trip over in the groves
May her tranquil sanctuary be preserved

And here I breathe in the breeze of her love

To which I can only appreciate and hope to be with her again soon