By Kelly Keene To a Star Seen at Twilight by John Rollin Ridge is a poem about inspiration. The speaker, a solitary observer, pauses to look at the first star to appear as night begins to fall. Twilight, the last vestige of light before the total dark, blocks out all stars except for the brightest … Continue reading A Guiding Star: An Analysis of “To a Star Seen at Twilight” by John Rollin Ridge
Author: Kelly Keene
Dear Captain Carter
What would have happened if Lydia Bennet kept in touch with one of her earlier interests, Captain Carter? Today, in my AP English Literature and Composition class, we wrapped up Volume 1 of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. Students discussed which characters they liked or didn't like, and we had a quick write that challenged … Continue reading Dear Captain Carter
Countdown
Random Autobiography
By Kelly Keene I’ve seen a moose up close on a river in Colorado. I’ve felt the impact of a student driver crashing into me. I’ve eaten pineapple guavas and ceviche and pathé. I’ve heard the sound of 43,000 voices singing backup to Béyonce’s lead vocals. And I’ve closed my ears to the sound of … Continue reading Random Autobiography
Dear Teaching
July 7, 2025 Dear Teaching, I anticipate you every August, like the high tide sandy shores waiting for the predictable afternoon flooding. You overwhelm me. I plan and prepare as much as I can- too much. But it doesn’t matter. Experience helps me navigate the tides, predict them. And they often still feel so treacherous. … Continue reading Dear Teaching
Girls Love Cars Tu
By Kelly Keene My friend Diba told me that she didn’t believe in saying “I love you,” but she did believe that a man’s footwear was a good judge of character. She would never date a guy in sandals and jeans. At the time, we were in 9th grade, and I couldn’t believe what I … Continue reading Girls Love Cars Tu
Spring
By Kelly Keene In early May, the earth was damp and cool. Icy patches had thawed and fresh warm sunlight breathed new life into the green trees and nesting birds. There was still a chance of rain, but the sun threatened to melt clouds away in equal measure. Mom and Dad had prepared a meal, … Continue reading Spring
Smart and Happy
by Kelly Keene “Happiness in intelligent people is the rarest thing I know.” -Earnest Hemingway It started with the basics. I think we all had smartphones in our pockets before we realized just how smart they’d actually become. Then, once my phone was capable of talking to me, and following directions, my imagination ran wild. … Continue reading Smart and Happy
Bomb
by Kelly Keene
Having Swam is Not Swimming
by Kelly Keene
Kelly Keene 