Question

PLEASE COMPLETE FOR 50 POINTS!! BE QUICK PLEASE!!!

Write a response poem to Gabriel Okara’s poem “Once Upon a Time.” Your poem must: -be at least 3 stanzas and at least 75 words in length
-adopt the style of Okara’s poem using at least 2 phrases taken directly from it (For example, “but now they only laugh with their teeth,” There was a time indeed,” So I have learned many things,” or “But believe me”
-begin “Once upon a time”
Example:
Once upon a time, father
you used to listen to me
used to hear me before I would even speak
but now, here
the only sounds you hear are the rain
falling on this piece of marble

There was time indeed
when you taught me to walk with dignity
and to work with purpose
and to dream
now, my dreams are the only place I see you

But believe me, father
you are not forgotten
I still remember when you said
that one day I would teach these lessons to my own child
I am not ready
but I will be, because of you

Grading / Rubric:
This assignment is worth 30 points. You will be given 10 points for each category:

-Style - How well does your poem mimic the style of Okara’s?

-Features - Does your poem contain 3 stanzas, 75+ words, 2 phrases directly from Okara’s poem and begin “Once Upon a Time”?

-Word Choice - How well do you utilize your 75+ words to convey the meaning you’ve chosen?

Answer 1

Once upon a time, I used to see the world
through rose-colored glasses
life was simple, happiness came with ease
and each day was a new adventure

But now they only see my age
a number that tells them what I cannot do
they forget that once upon a time
I was young, with dreams and hopes too

There was a time indeed
when I believed the world was mine
I thought that love and kindness
were enough to make things right

So I have learned many things
about the pain that life can bring
how age can turn a heart to stone
and make even the strongest souls feel alone

But believe me, my dear
even though my time is running out
I will never forget the love
that once upon a time, I had no doubt