The poem below is an experiment in persona poetry. I love reading persona poetry (and using it to teach students about point of view), but sometimes I find writing persona poetry to be problematic. I think that’s because I’ve put so much time into reminding myself that we all have our own filters and therefore it’s nearly impossible to truly know another’s mind; writing in someone else’s voice can feel presumptuous. However, it is an excellent way to build empathy. Consider the following a paean crossed with an elegy (although I’m reluctant to use that latter word, knowing her work is far from over).
Chelsea Clinton, on my mother
Remember that
She sheltered me
And so did my father
When I was a kid
And they wanted me to be free
To be a kid,
Regardless of the color of my house
Elizabeth DeOrnellas 