Poem: "Did I miss Anything?" by Tom Wayman.
Questions:
1. How did the poem come to be written?
2. Why do you think the poem has been so widely reprinted?
3. Can you say something about the form of the poem?
4. How would you categorize the tone of the poem?
5. How is the theme of religion used in the poem?
6. What does the poem really mean? That is, what hidden meanings are present in the poem?
7. Do you think your poem has agood effect on students?
Writing Assignment
Directions: Read the poem again after reading the interview with the poet. Answer the following questions in a 3 paragraph response:
1. What are your thoughts about the theme (the lesson the author wants to teach you) and tone of the poem NOW? Why did the author write this poem?
2. What does the religious reference to the angel symbolize?Why did Wayman include the angle in his poem?
3. What do you think about the meaning of the poem as Wayman explains it, particularly with regard to teachers being angry and sarcastic when they get frustrated with students? Do you agree with the author's decision to stop teaching it? Should I continue to teach this poem in my class? Explain why or why not.