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?”

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

Jack’s Poem In the book Love That Dog, we read the poem that Jack wrote after reading “The Red Wheel Barrow.”

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

Miss Stretchberry asked Jack why that blue car was so important Miss Stretchberry asked Jack why that blue car was so important. “Why does so much depend upon a blue car?” By the end of the book, we know. That blue car killed 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 7th graders…

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 the trees, Never forgetting his destiny.

Now it’s your turn… With your group, discuss word choice using one of these three poems. 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.