Think about the fiction and nonfiction texts that you have read. When trying to distinguish between fiction and nonfiction, does the line between genres become blurred? Or, are there clear differences between these genres—like comparing apples to oranges? List and discuss the traits that you see in fiction and nonfiction works. Provide examples of each. Explain what you like and dislike about both fiction and nonfiction. What are some examples of works you have read that dance the line between both genres? Ultimately, would you rather read fiction or nonfiction?

“tell me o swan, your ancient tale” by kabir “the swan” by rilke “spanish dancer” by rilke “your laughter” by pablo neruda “birthplace” by shaffarzadeh “it’s this way” by nazim hikmet “counting small-boned bodies” by robert bly choose two poems that you would like to write about. analyze each poem. study the perspective, or point of view, of the speaker in each of the two poems that you select for this assignment. consider these questions: who is the speaker in each of these poems? what is the speaker’s tone? is there a conflict? is there a message? what does each of the poems have in common? what is different about each of the poems? which literary devices are used in the poems? are these literary devices found in both of the poems? what does the speaker hope to achieve in each of the poems? how are these achievements/goals been met? directions: using the two poems of your choosing, write a clear, concise, two hundred and fifty word essay that compares and contrasts the two poems. make sure you include at least two of the following to support your thesis: tone, point of view, literary devices, and meter.