Every year I asked high school juniors to construct  a traditional and often dreaded Poetry Project. The mere mention of it caused half the class to tremble, as no doubt many of you remember well.

Before 9/11, the finished projects were literal, showing the poet's intent through the eyes of the student. Some drew, others cut and pasted from magazines, some even sang or played music to illustrate. Although many were highly creative and artistically gifted, they were without fail typical presentations.

• Select 10 poems from one or more poets presented during the semester.
• Each poem or line must be  illustrated separately using any medium or facilitator.
  

After 9/11, one 16 year old boy selected only one poem.

As you read it, visualize his hastily sketched pencil-drawing on wrinkled, smudged, torn and tattered brown paper.

Instead of clouds, like in the picture above, see billows of smoke and you'll have an idea of his original drawing.

His project was voted "Best of Show" and  awarded the highest grade in the class.

 My life closed twice before its close;

        It yet remains to see

If Immortality unveil

        A third event to me,

So huge, so hopeless to conceive,

       As these that twice befell.

Parting is all we know of heaven,

       And all we need of hell.

Poems by Emily Dickinson, third series, in 1896.