Read Tracy K. Smith's poem "Don't You Wonder, Sometimes?" originally published in her book Life on Mars. In a journal or a notebook, write down all the the phrases, words, and questions that you like the sounds of. In order to hear the sounds of this poem better, read it aloud to yourself.

Listen to the song that inspired this poem, David Bowie's "Sound and Vision." Because Smith wrote this poem in response to a song, it is considered an ekphrastic poem, a piece of art responding to another piece of art. In addition, Tracy K. Smith's father was an engineer who worked on the Hubble Telescope. This poem is also a tribute to her father.

Read Chloe N. Clark's description of the Heart of a poem. What do you think is the heart of "Don't You Wonder, Sometimes?" Is it the speaker's interest in a "Starman"? Is it all that the speaker wonders "After dark"? Is it "Go ahead."? Is it "SHINE"? Write down in your notes everything you think the heart of this poem could be.

Now, write down in your notes everything you feel is in your heart. Write down specific names, places, foods, items, feelings, ideas, wants, wishes, demands, questions. What is in your heart? All of this. You may find it useful to use the previous lesson of using the five senses to help you, here, but there are no wrong answers. It is your heart.

Like Tracy K. Smith, listen to a song you find inspirational. Listen to it at least twice. On the third, or more, time through it, I want you to start writing to the rhythm of the music. Begin with one of the words or phrases that was in your heart, and begin using the sound of the song to guide you to your next words. This may sound difficult, writing to the rhythm of a song, but remember it is your favorite song and your heart. Let the rhythm lead you to knew words, phrases, places, questions--things you are curious about in the world, things you wouldn't normally put on paper, things that are hard to explain, that you enjoy, love, hate, find pleasure or pain in.

Once you have a first draft--whether it makes sense or not--read it out loud to yourself. Make it sound how you want it to sound. Cut "fluffy" words like "a, an, the, and like," and rearrange what's remaining into your Heart poem. Title it. If you are feeling brave, paste your Heart poem in this collaborative book of Heart poems inspired by this lesson.