Abraham Lincoln Poem

Today I read a poem about Abraham Lincoln. Here is the poem:

ABRAHAM LINCOLN 
by Mildred Plew Meigs 
Remember he was poor and country-bred; 
His face was lined; he walked with awkward gait. 
Smart people laughed at him sometimes and said, 
"How can so very plain a man be great?" 

Remember he was humble, used to toil. 
Strong arms he had to build a shack, a fence, 
Long legs to tramp the woods, to plow the soil, 
A head chuck full of backwoods common sense. 

Remember all he ever had he earned 
He walked in time through stately White House doors; 
But all he knew of men and life he learned 
In little backwoods cabins, country stores. 

Remember that his eyes could light with fun; 
That wisdom, courage, set his name apart; 
But when the rest is duly said and done, 
Remember that men loved him for his heart.

The thing I love about poems, including this one is that they are able to tell a story without writing a book. By that I mean we can read about Abraham Lincoln without feeling like we have to read page after page. We are given a lot of information about him and by writing it into a poem, the reader is engaged and learning! As stated in The Joy of Children's Literature, "Poetry for children should convey the experiences and perceptions of the child in a way that is meaningful and not condescending, didactic, or simplified."  I think if we provide poetry in the classroom correctly the children will always benefit from the experience. This poem reminded me of a time in school when we were shown a poem about a historical figure and we then had to recreate the poem based upon someone we liked. From this memory I was able to create a lesson based upon the Abraham Lincoln poem. After reading the poem as a class, the students will create their own poem based upon research about a president of their choice. I think incorporating poems into the classroom is not something that happens frequently but is a valuable piece of literature that we must incorporate!