Speak Out 2/15: Generation Gap
Posted by Mr. Reed on February 14, 2008
The novel we began reading this week reveals how two teenagers find themselves crossing the generation gap by entering into the life of Mr. Pignati. They discover that old people have much to offer if we would only listen. You may either write a poem about an older person (grandpa, grandma, or older neighbor) that provides a poetic portrait of his or her world or you may write a biographical sketch or essay about that person. Either way, you must include specific “show not tell” sensory details that would allow the reader to enter into that person’s world.
February 14th, 2008 at 10:25 pm
Swish
Creative writing
There’s 30 seconds left on the clock. The score is tied 25-25. The room is nervous and tense. We score. We win the game by 2 points. The crowd goes wild and everyone cheers, hoots and hollers and rumbles their feet on the bleachers.
This is a peak into a game of a 8th Benicia Lady Vikings Basketball game. I was on the 8th grade girl’s team last season and a scenario like the one above had actually happened. But for us to get that point, we had to work our butts off all the time, even outside the gym or the court.
Our team practices for and hour and a half each session, Monday thru Thursday, in the school gym. When we get more into the season, we have games on Tuesday and Thursday’s at other schools nearby and play them and later they come to our and we play them at our “home”. Its fun to go to another school, and remember someone from the other team from the year before or even the game before. We sort of get to recognize each other.
During the practice, we start off by stretching in a circle. Then follows is the liners. Some of the liners that we do, we do with basketballs, and go in a zigzag line toward the end of the court. It may be tiring, but definantly worth it in the end. After that, we work on shooting and passing. The shooting drill is called “Superman” and the passing drill is called “3-man”. These drills defiantly help improve our game and help us become better players. At the end of practice we usually do a scrimmage and work on what we have just learned and apply to a game to make sure that we are doing it right.
One of my favorite things about my team though, is that we are like a family. Everybody on our team is like a family on and off the court. We all watch each others back and make sure that everyone is okay. Another cool thing about our team is that we are not afraid to be ourselves around each other. We also know that we can tell each other everything whenever and if we need advice for something everyone tries to help in every way possible. If one of us is having bad day, we all notice and try to make that person feel better by all means.
At the end of the day, our Benicia Lady Viking Basketball team is an all around good team with a good group of girls that are all determined and have the willingness to work hard at all costs, even if it means sacrificing something. There are hardships that our team has to overcome, but we overcome them together, as a team, as a family. Our team knows how to have fun, while practicing or working on our game. I think that the Benicia Lady Vikings have one of the strongest teams. Even though we may not win all the time, we know how to stick together as a team through all of the obstacles in life, on and off the court.
February 17th, 2008 at 11:57 pm
Mr. Pignati
Day after day I sit at home alone.
My wife has been gone long.
I have no one for company,
except my collection of pigs.
I sit by the phone, listening to the radio,
and hoping for a decent conversation.
But the hours grow long,
And the days melt into each other.
But finally: Ring, ring, ring!
My hand is on the phone in an instant with renewed hope
In another moment is complete disappointment:
Just another sale’s call!
Loneliness starts to creep back.
It is like a giant vacuum
That drains all the happiness in life.
I am just a lonely man, wishing for a friend.
February 18th, 2008 at 2:57 pm
My Grandma
Old age can be a good time and bad. My grandma had both. She is my dad’s mom and just recently died in April. She always seemed to be happy and always tried to make anything enjoyable. You used to come out to California every year. We all miss her, but we all knew it was her time. She lived a good long life. 89 years of life. I thank her for raising a good son who is now my dad. My grandma didn’t live her old age life without pain. She had so many health problems I just felt really bad.
She had alsimers disease which was really hard. She never remembered any of us. She called my dad her brother’s name and it was just sad to see her in that state. She eventually had to be on life support. After a few days we all had to make an extremely difficult decision. A lot of my family worked in the medical field so they knew how many families kept there family member on life support in hope they will live again. We all knew that the best thing would be to take her off, because we knew she would never wake up. That was a hard sad moment, but we all knew we did the right thing.
Three weeks after her death we went to the funeral in New York. It was nice seeing the family again, but it really wasn’t a fun trip. At the funeral it was windy and poring. It really wasn’t a fun day at all. I just hated it completely. Everything was dark and gloomy, it seemed like there would be no joy for the rest of the time. I was just partial glad that it was over and we could go home.
She used to come over every year. When she came over we would usually go on trips places with her. I used to have Woody and Buzz lighter toys that she would play with, with me. We used to go to a lake and once my grandma was on an inner tube and she floated past the buoys and I had to go save her. Everything was always happy when she was there. She would always give the best advice to the worst of problems. She was like one of my best friends in my family, because I could tell her anything without worrying about getting in trouble for what I have done. I miss having her around.
Old age is good and bad. It has all its ups and downs. When you’re old you don’t have to worry about what to wear. You really stop caring about what people think of you and you start doing what you want to do. The bad things are worse health. You get sick a lot easier. You have to deal with weakness and wrinkles. Old age has all its ups and downs I just hope when I get that age its more ups then downs.
February 18th, 2008 at 5:37 pm
Little Energizer Bunny
As time passes, I hardly waste away
I work in my garden and I live today
My daisies are great, and the birds come along
The kids next door sing their LOUD song
I went to Senior Center today
I saw Midge and I worked in the library
I even brought you home some cinnamon bread
that I know you love so much
My crossword puzzles are going great
I went to church on Sunday and the new pastor was good
He talks about Jesus and his savin’ grace like we need so much
I remember moving from Mr. Vernon, Arkansas
I was only 16 and I had to leave my boyfriend Jimmy
That was my favorite place; the trees canopy the light blue lake,
and the forest is full of animals Tommy is sure to hunt. Papa got
a job making ships and loading them in the shipyard so I had no choice.
I finally met your grandpa, Ben.
He loved me more than anyone, and I was crazy about him.
He worked in the ink factory a couple miles south of this house.
I will never forget walking to the store with all my crazy brothers.
We lived a mile away and Grandma’s house was on the corner
Mama would say, “Now don’t you be stopping nowhere on the way, because I
need so eggs to make a pecan pie.”
We always walked through the house anyways, and out of nowhere we just
happened to stop in the kitchen and see what they had to eat.
Now Danielle, don’t you go telling anyone how old I am! Do I look my age?
“Of course not Nana! You are a regular Southern Bell with a twist of
excitement,” Danielle always responded. Danielle, Katie, and Nicki are my
three wonderful granddaughters.
They love me and see me every time they can, and I love them so much
I always brag about them to Midge and Charlie whenever I get the chance.
I will never forget the camping trips that seemed to take place around hunting season.
We would go down to the lakes especially Lake Beriessa.
We would have great fun, and the whole family would hike for hours looking for dear.
One time I caught more fish than any of the boys and I was so proud.
After a while, Tommy started bringing his girlfriend Tracy.
She really isn’t the most outdoorsy kinda girl, but she would go anywhere with Tommy.
She is really something. She is outgoing, and smart, beautiful, and sweet.
They finally got married and are very happy.
Anyways, I love making baking!
Pies are my best, but anything you ask of me, I am happy to help
Even for Christmas Eve dinner, I make a pecan, coconut, and apple pie for the whole family.
Katie and Danielle are just nuts about making my famous peanut butter cookies with me, but I never let them.
Whenever they come to visit me, I put out my bowl of Planter’s peanuts and make them a nice snack of Ritz crackers, liver sausage, and some nice cheese.
They always love that.
Tommy compares me to an energizer bunny
He says I just keep going and going and will never stop!
I guess that is true.
I have never stopped loving anyone, wearing the necklace Danielle made me when she was three, going to Northshore Community Church, and caring for my garden.
I will never stop living, even after I am gone because my granddaughters have a piece of me that will never leave.
That piece of me is the love they have been given and continue to show everyone.
February 18th, 2008 at 8:29 pm
Ode To Grandma
Grandma,
I love your smell, it’s like fresh baked cookies
Your clothes are always as bright as a new day
You are always moving around like a little worker ant
Your loud booming voice scares some, but I find it comforting
And, despite the situation, your always smiling like the chesher cat
Grandma,
The moment I walk in your house, a cloud of fresh baked goodness makes its way to my nose
As I look around your house I see a sea of unfinished crafts and sewing pins
After I wake up you tell me you’ve baked something that’s delicious for breakfast
And no matter if I’m sleeping or not, the cheerful cries of “The Price is Right” fills my ears
Grandma,
You’d always take me outside to a land of fresh air
This place is called the park, and despite the crowd of screaming kids, you’d still let me play to my hearts desire
Every once in a while you’d take me to Walmart or Target and buy me the latest fashion
But the thing I love about you is, you love me just as much no matter what!
February 19th, 2008 at 3:56 am
Grandmother’s story
Planets above me, Birds watching over me, hear my story.
Hear the life of this poor old lady, as her life goes worst and worst.
As I sit here, day by day as I watch the decrepitated walls.
I have everyone with me, children, grandchildren, and my sister in soul.
Even If they passed away a few months ago, I will always have them.
As my body aches with pains, and after a few surgeries I still manage to walk.
But it requires a cane and a home doctor watching at every moment.
My whole eight decades have passed and gone and approaching the ninth.
My faded orange hair, and raggedy old clothes are just a remnant of what they once were.
A wall of books and puzzles, unsatisfying to my mind is the only thing of the past in full tact.
Although the fragrance of cherries and flowers still fill the rooms, It’s only artificial.
The loss of a husband and sister still haunts me, but I still manage with angels protecting me.
As my life feels like its coming to a close, I will continue to give happiness.
Even if my world is nothing like it was, I will still continue to go on.
February 23rd, 2008 at 6:48 pm
Great Grandma
Homemade tortillas
Pretty Jewelry
Hot Tea and Coffee
The Tan Recliner
Knitting
Potato Pancakes
Lovely
14 kids
These Words Remind Me of My Great Grandma
She is 87 or 86 years old we don’t know exactly
She always is sweet and nice
She always gives you complements
Even if she just met you
I love her with all my heart
She is my great grandma
March 11th, 2008 at 10:57 pm
My Grandma
Her name is Pat
She loves to give
She gives her grand kids anything
If u hasn’t tried her meatballs you need to
She has two wonderful and handsome boys
She also has a great husband
When u walk into her house its beautiful
She has crystals and glass everywhere
You can smell the delicious meatballs
She always has food in her refrigerator
She takes care of everyone
She sells jewelry and is a nurse
If you need jewelry you need to meet my grandma
She has so much jewelry if you need any just go and see my grandma
It is so much fun to just sit their and look though it
She has every kind of jewelry you could want
She’s the best
She doesn’t have any pets
She has a wonderful brother, his name is Robert
He sends her the jewelry
He is really nice
He lives in Texas
I want to visits him but my sister goes with my grandma
I love my grandma so much
I wish she could live forever
I could keep going but ill stop here
I love her!!!!!
March 12th, 2008 at 8:38 pm
Grandparent Poem
Sitting near an old used lamp,
with two young girls.
I notice them staring up at me,
a twinkle of appreciation and admiration
in their eyes.
On a busy corner, in Hayward,
lies a large park.
I lounge in the soft grass with my granddaughters.
A blue blanket spread out,
amidst the excitement.
We indulge into an enchanting picnic,
in the afternoon sun.
At a high kitchen table
diligent game of rummy brews on.
I hold in my hands the winning cars,
I lay on a devious smile of innocence,
as my turn edges closer and closer.
The youngest slams down her winning hand,
the game is over.
I quickly trade my look of confusion for one of praise,
and congratulate my granddaughter.
We swiftly dive into a new game.
I think back to the older days,
when my granddaughters were young.
When we watched the “Lion King”
while eating petite sandwiches in the bed.
Enjoying the joyous classics,
in the dark room.
Cooking was my greatest hobby,
Making many, delicious dishes.
Praised for my wondrous “delicacies.”
My family was samplers…
and my inspiration too.
I was never afraid of a challenge
And embraced them when they came.
March 13th, 2008 at 10:56 pm
Grandma
The crisp warm smell of her baking
It always makes me aching
She makes the best pie
I hate to say goodbye
I will never forget the gold heart she gave me
I was too young to see
How precious it was to thee
I lost it, I feel bad for she
But I Love my Grandma Truly
March 13th, 2008 at 11:34 pm
My grandma’s world
My grandma’s world is like no other. Her earlier years were tough with her ten boys. Now her life is filled with pitter patter of her grandkids. Her world is at peace with religious freedom, and the songs of her birds in the morning. Her laugh, as joyful as Santa’s, and her hair as soft as a Rapunzel’s. I would like one day for her to read this to show her how much I care about her. She gets along with anyone she sees, and is friends with everyone in town. Her life is filled with wonders, I shall try to shed some light on it.
My grandma’s life was filled with dirt and injuries. She had ten kids, including my dad. Ten little boys running around the house, fighting, and helping their dad on the farm. She ended up moving away from the ruckus of the cows running everywhere, and moved to the town of El Valle De Guadalupe with her boys. They were poor, and made their dog hunt for rabbits and things to eat. She even owned a small vegetable garden in the back of their home. Even though they were not as rich as they could be, they lived well with their health.
Now she gets frequent visits by her grandkids, and visits her mom. I would watch her feeding her birds, I could almost hear her sweet humming entwine with the harmony of chirps. I would also help her cook, hearing the tamales sizzle and pop. Going to the market with her was always fun, buying food and beads to make jewelry. When we made jewelry, she would compliment every bead I put on that thread. I could still hear her laughter ring in my ears and her big brown eyes warm my heart with every sparkle. She made everything fun, even chores. I would go to church with her every Sunday, and hear the bells ring the most beautiful sound. She would hold my hand and sing to me the whole way over, “Mi Niña, te quero mucho, no te vallas, con un perucho”.
I could not endure the hurt and pain of watching nine of her ten kids move out and most get families of their own. Luckily one of her ten sons live with her still. She does not live with her husband, even though they are still married. He just wants to work on the farm, but it is too far for her to walk. So she moved into town, so instead of driving, she can just walk to all the stores. She even lives down the hill from one of her sons and his family. That makes her extremely happy.
Over all, I wouldn’t trade her for anything. Her life is complicated, but I like to be able to step into her shoes and try to feel her emissions and feelings. She is my angel on earth, the way she takes care of me so. Even though we live in separate countries, I can still feel her close to me. Only when l I see her again, will I be truly happy.