JE49 Tanka Poem

#1

Writing a Tanka

During the Thursday club time

I feel so guilty

I should be doing my work

Instead of writing journal

#2

When the sun rises

Our world is lightened with joy

The birds are singing

With wonderful harmonies

I start my day with delight

#3

I feel exhausted

From doing lots of work last night

I just want to sleep

To regain the energy

So that I can work again

JE48 Haiku

#1

I have no idea

Of how to write a haiku

But I just did it

#2

Sarah is so mean

She insults my cat on Skype

She only likes ants

#3

I was so depressed

About my SAT scores

I should work harder

JE47 Real or Romantic?

            In nineteenth century, the North part of America was industrialized. People were working in factories and selling labors. The condition and quality of the factories were not that good. I think Whitman was fantasizing about the real situations. The poem generally sounds like a scene in an animated movie in which people were singing happily in utopia. No one can really enjoy his or her jobs in such conditions. The workers had to work long hours with constantly using labors. Although they might hum, I don't think they had the energy to sing any work songs loudly. However, the songs might express a positive aspect of American life at that time because America was thriving and on its way of becoming a powerful country. They wanted to be hopeful of their future and decedents.

I think workers today would not express this kind of sentiments that Whitman celebrates because they are more serious and realistic about their lives. They might have lots of burdens and have no mood to celebrate anything. Usually, workers do not get paid well, except for technological specialized workers. The workers would probably resent their lives and complain during work time unless they have positive and hopeful attitudes about their future. Also, countries today do not really prosper with labor works. 

JE46 Work Songs

           In the poem “I Hear America Singing” by Walt Whitman, many workers listed were singing work song while working. It showed their passion for their occupation. They enjoyed and took pride in their works. Therefore, they sing work songs to celebrate their wonderful lives. The background of the poem was when America was gradually industrialized and people were busying working in factories. Their lives got better with higher salary therefore they lived pretty good lives. However, I think Whitman was actually exaggerating the truth. I don't think people who are working all day enjoy their lives. Whitman’s attempt was to create a joyous atmosphere and describe America as a beautiful place.

            Few jobs that may be celebrated in American poem today can be teachers, officers, workers, and people who work in big buildings in big cities. In Taiwan, the occupations are nearly the same. However, there is one career that is important in Taiwan – the food industry. Taiwanese people are busy and most moms are working too. Therefore, food supplies were extremely important in Taiwanese lifestyle. Walking in the residential area, you can always see many restaurants and food stands busying working for people in hunger. I can picture some Chinese poems describing those people singing happy songs while providing food.