Sample Paradox Poem

From SiteIPLTeenPoetryWiki

Brother-Sister

Like two scorpions in a jar

Waiting for the other to turn its back

So the attack can begin

Like referees

Watching each other move the other makes

Then blowing a whistle on the defender

For the parents

Yet, they are an actor and an actress

For when one is in pain

The other feels the grief too

-by Tina Hines¹

Mother Says

Mother says

"Say hello"

"Be polite"

"Be nice"

"Be friendly"

"Say thank you"

"Speak when you are spoken to"

"Say bye-bye"

A child grows up

Believing

Grown-ups are

Honest

Loving

Caring

Mother says

"Don't talk to strangers"

"Don't be polite

"Don't be friendly"

"Don't do as you are told"

"Don't speak when you are spoken to"

"Say bye-bye"

"And run!"

-by Gregg Loo¹

1. Tsujimoto, J. (1988). Teaching poetry writing to adolescents. ERIC Clearinghouse on Reading and Communication Skills, National Council of Teachers of English: Urbana, IL.