Todd Davis

Thesis: Todd Davis is a poet that uses nature, observations, and memories from his life to write his poetry. His poetry is simple to read, but the word choice gives it a deeper meaning and it makes one see beauty. Todd also makes the reader see what truly fuels his compassion towards writing poems and this is usually involves the simple things in life. He makes his readers let go of his/her worries  (Borders/boundaries) and brings them relaxation (bridge).

So close but yet so far (Imitation of Letter to My Mother, Sixteen Years after the fact)

I think it's time to tell you my plans.

No mom, I'm not having a baby,
Nor am I getting married.
 At least for right now I'm not.

Mom, I want to prosper.
I want to be someone some day.
I want to graduate college,
and not work in factory all day.

You say you love me and that you care about me,
But why not show me?
Ask me about girls,
Talk to me more.
Tell me about what is right and what is wrong.

Mom, I long for you to know my dreams and goals,
My troubles, and my worries.
I just want to share my feelings with you.

Someday of course.

In Todd Davis' poem, Letter to My Mother, Sixteen Years after the fact, he shares an experience from his youth. This poem talks about his mother and the relationship with her. She warns Todd about all the bad things that he shouldn't do. This tells the reader that his mom really worries and cares about him. This poem made me reflect on the relationship that I have with my mother and this led to my imitation of this poem. Unlike Todd Davis, my mother and I are close at times but most of the time we are strangers. This happens because when we talk, we always end up talking about her problems. We never have a calm and relax talk with one another.

Bibliography 

Davis, Todd. Some Heaven. East Lansing: Michigan State University Press, 2007. Print.

"Goshen College | Healing the world, peace by peace." Goshen College | Healing the world, peace by peace. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Mar. 2013. <http://www.goshen.edu>.

Hostetler, Ann Elizabeth. A cappella: Mennonite voices in poetry. Iowa City: University of Iowa Press, 2003. Print.

Links

http://www.personal.psu.edu/tfd3/

http://www.bucknell.edu/x70554.xml

http://thisisantler.com/2012/05/interview-todd-davis/

"Mexicans"

We are known for going up north and taking people's jobs,

drug cartels, corrupt government, and a horrible economy.

These things and more give us a bad reputation,

us Mexicans I mean.

But not all is as bad as it seems.

We are people that inspire goals and dreams just like anyone else.

We have solid morals and values.

We have amazing cuisines!

We love our families and this sometimes results to packed homes.
And we have a rich and diverse culture.

We are people that despite all of the bad things going on we keep going and we never give up.

From Cesar Chavez fighting for workers rights in the U.S to

Pancho Villa fighting in the revolutionary war. 

We are more than just factory workers, gardeners, and servants.

We are Mexicans! We are Dreamers! Seekers of opportunity!