We know that poetry can be a wonderful way to provide students
with the opportunity to truly think and dive into meaningful conversations. Some
of the most meaningful conversations stem from poems that challenge students’
values and really ask them to reflect on what they feel, what they believe, and
why that is. One poem that fully allows for this opportunity is William
Stafford’s “Traveling through the Dark,”an iconic, short poem that captures a raw
moment of moral dilemma.
By the end of the poem, following hesitation and
self-mediation, we see the speaker make a decision, “my only swerving,” and
are left with a chance to react and evaluate.
Optimally, I have found that this poem works well as
a great whole group read-aloud, breaking it up into stanzas with multiple
voices pulling us through the suspense. Often, I hear some students gasp to
themselves when the reality of the final couplet settles in.
Challenge students to talk about the pros and cons of
the speaker’s actions. It can be interesting to ask students if they agree with
the speaker’s choice, or, conversely, what realistic action they would have personally
taken.
Discuss the qualities of moments in life that make us
“hesitate” and push us to “hear the wilderness” or the world around us
“listen.”
Dig into the depth of that last couplet: “I thought hard
for us all -- my only swerving.” It’s a splendid springboard for conversation. Invite
students to think about how we “think hard,” make difficult decisions, and
“swerve” in our own lives – as a society and as individuals. As humans, why do
we swerve? What is worth swerving for?
Further Reading:
Ken Bui is a former English teacher and administrator in the North Penn School District.
Thank you for sharing this poem. I teach 6th graders, and I believe this poem will help them to think through some decisions they may have to make or reflect on ones already made.
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