Clarinet

I am a clarinet
Capable of beauty,
Holding many unique characteristics.
When played wrong, the result can be ugly or painful-
Wrong notes and squeaks.
If not kept in proper condition, I won't play right.
The result of a chipped or broken reed is just pitiful.
I have a wide range of styles and emotions.
I often play complicated melodies and very exposed solos.
These can be so overwhelming that I usually need a rest afterward.
I require support from other instruments.
It is always there when I need it.

~Hannah Jo

The Music of My Soul

Laughter is the music of my soul.
A smile is a note in my song.
A moment of joy is a beautiful phrase,
Makes me feel that nothing could go wrong.

Crying is the music of my soul.
A teardrop is a measure of my ballad.
A moment of sorrow is a building point,
Makes me feel completely invalid.

Anger is the music of my soul.
A scream is an expressionistic phrase.
A moment of fury is an accelerando,
Makes me feel lost in an endless daze.

Love is the music of my soul.
A hug is a major chord.
A moment of truth is a fermata,
Where I'll cherish the eternal reward.

~Hannah Jo
Part of my "Poetry Safari"

My Life's Song

My family is a song
With polyphonies that create pictures
And melodies that tell stories
My Dad is the Bass line- tuba or cello-
keeping the song full and strong
giving support at all times
My mom is the overall melody
always there working hard.
she can do anything.
Melissa is the bass drum
firm and never wavering
from the tempo
Gregg is a harmony line
fitting in well with the whole song
and making it more complete
Jackson is the piccilo-
loud when needed, but small-
always sounding and looking cute.
Holly is the snare drum
playing complicated rhythms,
always driving forward
only slowing when directed to do so.
Ben is the trombone-
strong bass, but still playing the occasional crazy melody
April is the piano.
she can play many different parts of the song
and knows how to support everyone elses.
Amelia is the tenor saxophone
she has a wide range of ways to play and act
and always has a beautiful sound.
Nate is the trumpet
loud and strong
capable of so much, but he always prefers the fanfares.
Liam is the triangle
featured at many times
cute and known, but he's still learning.
Michelle is the alto saxophone
with a style of her own
she loves to stand out.
Elizabeth is the auxiliary percussion
playing many different instruments,
still experimenting with life.
she hits random things at seemingly random times,
but it always fits.
And I, I am the clarinet
melody and harmony
sometimes needing a long rest
and always supported by everyone else.
My family is a song
sometimes in perfect harmony,
sometimes cacophony,
always working together
to support
through everything.

March

It's starting- watch.
Blend in- listen.
Stay in step.
Feel the beat.
Keep the tempo.
Try to remember.

So much to remember,
Make sure to watch.
Stay with the tempo.
You're not alone-listen.
Play with the beat.
Let it guide your step.

Left-Left- know the step.
Next set- remember.
Drum majors show the beat
With their hands-watch.
The band is one-listen.
Don't stray from the tempo.

Around you is the tempo.
In front you see the step.
Everyone plays, so listen.
You know this music, so remember.
Drum majors lead, so watch.
Behind you they play the beat.

You hear the beat
and create. There is a tempo
to follow. You have to watch.
You know every step.
You can remember.
Focus your mind and listen.

Trust me, I tried to listen.
I honestly felt the beat.
I thought I could remember.
I promise I stayed on tempo.
I KNOW I was in step.
I do, I know how to watch.

~Hannah Jo
Part of my 2010 "Poetry Safari" in Discovery LA

Elizabeth =] (Happy Birthday!!)

Elizabeth,
A leader
Role Model
Friend.

Elizabeth,
Beautiful
Kind
Sweet.

Elizabeth,
Followed
Looked up to
Loved.

Happy Birthday =D

~Hannah Jo
Best Birthday Wishes to an amazing friend :)

Window

I prefer windows to mirrors.
I look in a mirror,
I see myself.
Materially.
I look through a window,
I see so much more.

I prefer windows to mirrors.
A mirror shows an image.
Backwards.
Through a window,
I see the real thing.
Straightforward, clear.

I prefer windows to mirrors.
Mirrors are vanity.
All I see is ME, ME, ME!
Windows are charity.
I see everyone and what they need.

How I can give,
How I should live.

I prefer windows to mirrors.

~Hannah Jo
A contest piece

Where I Am From

I am from quote cards on the counter,
and candles that never give flame.
I am from crispy yellow grass underneath my feet
that pokes me as I run and jump.
I am from hammocks that don't match in the slightest,
yet seem all the same.
I am from games of hopscotch in the day,
and Laser Tag at night.
I am from "I love you a MILLION Swedish Fish!"
I am from Charlotte and Richard.
I am from Jim and Judy who went separate ways,
but brought new delights to our family.
I am from music that reaches the ears
to bring memories from the past, feelings of the present,
and ideas for the future.
I am from enchiladas made with an effort from everyone,
that bring the taste of spice, along with pride.
I am from family, in which memories lie,
giving inspiration in times of struggle.
I am from hope to make it through the struggles,
and faith to lift me above, where I can fly.

~Hannah Jo
An English project, very anticipated