A World of Living Things

Note: American Sign Language is a visually based language that has its own unique rules and structure; its is not simply a signed representation of English. ASL poetry uses visual patterns (such as a repeated handshape, movement, or sign location) to create rhyme and rhythm. Because the poetic qualities of an ASL poem are visual, a written translation does not quite capture the poem's essence. Below is the poet's summary of the poem.

Summary:
This poem focuses on a river environment, describing plants and animals in the area and focuses on how it gets hotter and hotter while a person is walking. As the person walks along she notices the water disappearing, animals getting sick, etc. At the end the poet asks "Do you want that? It's up to you."

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Mikaylasol Cabras, age 11
2008 Finalist
Vallejo, California
California School for the Deaf (Fremont)
Teacher: Jennifer Hipskind