Learning Prompt

Poetics of Gratitude

Originally Published: April 06, 2020
Illustration of colorful figures using pencils and pens to make lines on notebook paper. The figures float on books on a yellow background.
Art by Sirin Thada.

A few questions to consider, on your own in writing, or in discussion with others:

What does it mean to be grateful? What does it look like? What does it mean to practice gratitude and why might we do it?

Write the following lists:

  • Top 10 things you’re most grateful for
  • 10 things you’re grateful for that someone else might not expect
  • 10 things your friends or family might be grateful for
  • 10 things that might deserve more gratitude than they get

Read Lucille Clifton’s “won’t you celebrate with me.” What is the speaker thankful for? Why? What might Clifton be saying about what we do and do not celebrate?

Read Elizabeth Alexander’s “Praise Song for the Day,” a poem commissioned for and read at Barack Obama’s inauguration. Why might Alexander have chosen to write this poem for that day? What is the speaker thankful for? Why?

Read danez smith’s “acknowledgements.” What is this speaker thankful for? Why? What do you learn about the speaker from who they acknowledge?Using the lists you brainstormed, write a poem thanking the objects and people you’re grateful for, especially if you believe they haven’t yet been thanked.