We+Are+More


 * Assignment: Describe what the poem means to you. Discuss the use of metaphor to create analogies in the mind of the listener. How does the impact of this poem change when you hear it as apposed to reading it? Use specific examples from the text.**

We Are More speaks to me as an outstanding piece of poetry representing pure nationalism and pride. It represents the positive qualities we share as proud Canadians. Shayne used an amazing variety of metaphors, all that helped create thorough analogies and imagery in my head. "Don't let your luggage define our travels", for example, is a clever metaphor. Shayne is stating that your past and your experiences shouldn't determine what lies ahead in your future. "We are young, we are cultures strung together then woven into a tapestry" is again another powerful metaphor. This little phrase of a few words, says so much about our country. We are multicultural, strong, and beautiful. We are more than just different ethnicities living together. All these metaphors are so much more powerful used verbally than just reading. Slam poetry involves many key elements of the voice such as emphasizing and articulating certain words, as well as tone and power. This is exactly what Shayne did. He used elements that make up a phenomenal slam poetry piece, to present his own piece of literary art. We Are More has so much meaning in it when it is presented verbally, than when it is just read. In my opinion, you can let your imagination flow more by hearing it presented by a twelve-year-experienced slam poet, than just reading words off of a sheet of paper. Shayne Koyczan sums up Canada in a prideful and nationalistic piece of art, because it's true, we are more.

Excellent response. 12/12