Intergenerational Poem for Two Voices
Uniting kids with the elderly is a win-win situation we need to take advantage of in our churches. Getting these two groups together can be as simple as arranging a nursing/retirement home visit or arranging an evening together with members of the church body. It´s hard to tell who receives the most benefit, but it is most often true that both groups are enriched and that is what counts.
I´ve arranged these types of meetings with my public school students (7th graders) and we´ve done things ranging from writing short biographies of nursing home residents to performing a musical to doing Chautauqua performances of famous authors. These are year long projects and require considerable planning. However, we have done simple things, too. I would like to share one with you that is fun for all, easy to plan, and results in a tiny but meaningful gift when finished.
Intergenerational Poem for Two Voices
(Let me not take any credit for the form of this poem which I learned about from a colleague in a writing class. I don´t know who deserves the credit, but it is
- Match up young person and elderly person. (You can define elderly.)
- Have the young person interview the elderly friend to find out many things they have in common and many things they find different about one another´s lives.
- Have young person write and publish in some attractive form a poem modeled after the following poem which is intended to be read by two people alternating lines most of the time and occasionally reading a common line together. I´m sure you´ll see how it works.
(Read by Iven) (Read by Steve) My name is Iven I´m Steve I´m seventy-seven years old I´m fourteen I´ve lived all my life in the 20th Century I´ll live most of mine in the 21st I have a large family--10 kids of my own I just have one sister, Meg I love having grandchildren I love being one Can anyone still love the Cubs? Not me, I´m a Rockies fan I played some baseball I´m into soccer I´m always hungry for roast beef I´m always hungry--period. (Read by both) You and I--we´re different in lots of ways (Read by Iven) (Read by Steve) Are you a Viking fan like me? Of course, they´re the best. Purple is my favorite color. Mine, too. I like reading. I read every night before I go to bed. (Both) I always read the sports page first. (Read by Iven) (Read by Steve) I wish I could still play the guitar You play too? Music has always inspired me. What would I do without it? I´m looking forward to peace in heaven I want to join you there. (Both) You know, we´re not too different after all.
This type of poem can be presented in church, at a nursing home, before family, or just neatly printed and shared as something to hang on the wall. Adding pictures could even make it more special. It´s an icebreaker for a future relationship or at least a worthwhile activity for a short term visitation experience. Try it and see who enjoys the time most. You may be surprised.
About the Author:
Steve Graner is a Christian educator and familyman employed by the Minot, ND Public School District. A licensed laypastor, he is passionate about Christian writing and Christian drama. Along with family and friends, Steve has performed numerous self-written dramas and musicals for area church audiences.