The Ropes

Workshop, November 2008

Self portrait of me aged…

This is a group or individual workshop based on the poem 'We are…' by Elspeth Kirkman

1. Read We are… by Elspeth Kirkman.
(Click on the pink link above.)

Discuss what you think it’s about, what images is she using, what does it suggest to you does it ring true with your feelings/experience?

2. On paper - or on a flipchart - write some phrases you hear about Teenagers:

What do you hate/like about being your age?

3. You are going to write a poem,
Self Portrait of Me aged:

First, make a list of things linked to you: a piece of music, an item of clothing, an object, a place, food (something that grows), friend, a flower etc

4. A list about you:

Facial characteristic, one habit, a thing you say a lot, an activity you do, a part of your body

Now beside each one put a comment/description - positive or negative -

My mum hates it

it’s made from tortured animals

it makes me sing

5. Think of something that constantly changes

- write it down

And something that stays the same

- write it down

Think of one active verb

6. Describe yourself as an animal. Now put the opposite adjective with it.

7. Now turn these into a poem about you - using the lists, the negative and positive, use some of the phrases you wrote on your piece of paper/ on the flipchart

liken yourself to the thing that changes and the thing that stays the same, say why you are like them.

End with a line that begins But...

8. Share and discuss