CRAFT STUDIO: 20 REASONS TO LOOK UP FROM YOUR PHONE BY MOLLY BURFORD
I am loving Molly Burford’s debut poetry collection, Moments to Hold Close. I have returned again and again to reread and relive how Burford captures the essence of the human experience, exploring how to love, live fully and the beauty of embracing both life’s simple and defining moments. Here is a look at 20 Reasons to Look Up From Your Phone from her section, “The Moments You Have to Hold on To”.
What I Was Reading:
20 Reasons to Look Up From Your Phone
Because the clouds are taking vacation
Because it’s 75 degrees and you’re sitting inside on your couch
Because there are books to read
Because your own story needs to be told
Because there’s music to be blasted with your windows open
Because your friend deserves your undivided attention
Because what you see online is not always truth
Because comparison is a thief*
Because you’re missing out on the laughter
Because you haven’t finished your painting
Because you haven’t finished your sentence
Because you haven’t finished watching the movie
Because you’re missing out on the moment in front of you
Because there are hands to hold
Because there are more interesting things to look at
Because your dog wants you
Because there are better ways to waste your time
Because the email can wait
Because the text can wait
Because your life cannot wait
What Moves I Notice the Author Making:
- The author uses a consistent pattern by starting each reason with “Because,” creating a steady rhythm that leads into everyday moments we often overlook. This repetition anchors the reader in each line building urgency to reclaim the present moment.
- The author uses a mix of playful, profound, and relatable reasons that speak directly to the reader’s experience, that encourages the reader to reconsider how they engage with the world.
- The author often transitions between using “your” and “you’re”.
Possibilities for Writers:
- Experiment with the impact of using “you’re” vs. “your.” Writers could explore the usage of “your” and “you’re” beyond the basic functions of possession and contraction to how it impacts craft and tone. Writers could explore how Burford’s usage of “your’ and “you’re” impacted how the reader felt either a personal sense of ownership or a direct call to action.
- Develop pattern sentences to create rhythm and emphasis. Explore the impact of starting each sentence with the word “Because…”.
- Explore the word “because” with students to deepen their understanding of cause-and-effect relationships.
- Collaborative “Because” Poems: Write a group poem where each line begins with “because.” Students can contribute lines, building a collaborative piece that explores diverse perspectives or themes.
- Create a collaborative writing experience with all students contributing to Another 20 Reasons to Look Up From Your Phone
- Generate different ideas for other 20 Reasons Lists for writers to explore independently.
*The original text uses a word that would not be appropriate, and the word thief was substituted.