So Much Depends Upon… 16-word poems inspired by William Carlos Williams’ “The Red Wheel Barrow”

The Red Wheel Barrow William Carlos Williams so much depends upon a red wheel barrow glazed with rain water beside the white chickens.

This poem may make you want to ask, “Why does so much depend on that red wheel barrow, Mr. Williams?”

Brainstorm What are some reasons a wheel barrow might be so important to someone?

The Blue Car Jack So much depends upon a blue car splattered with mud speeding down the road.

The teacher asked Jack why that blue car was so important. “Why does so much depend upon a blue car?” It turns out that, sadly, the blue car had hit and killed Jack’s dog, Sky.

Quickwrite Make a list of some of the things that are important to you. What things do you really depend on? What items stand out in your memory?

Start Thinking! We will be creating our own 16-word poems. But before we start, let’s look at a couple of examples from other junior high students…

Nicole A. So much depends upon Lonely dew speckled rose Laying in pale hands Of a sleeping boy.

Sarah D. So much depends upon The little silver ring, Glistening under the light, Sparkling with diamond’s truth.

Amy R. So much depends upon The silver moon wolf, Running swiftly through trees, Never forgetting his destiny.

Adjectives are excellent and thoughtful. Image-forming verbs are used. Nouns are precise. Not afraid to take a risk with new words. Used a few color and texture words to describe. The key to a 16-word poem:

Now it’s your turn… Look at your list of important items. You will have 15 minutes to create a 16-word poem that begins like this: So much depends upon… Since four of the words are already chosen for you, it is so important to make sure the remaining 12 words really grab us with their imagery.