The Margaret Atwood Information Web Site
At this official Atwood home page, the internationally known and respected poet frankly admits that she can’t explain why she writes poetry. Read On Writing Poetry, her humorous lecture on the connection between life and poetry. What is your impression of Atwood after reading this lecture? If someone asked you today what you will do for a living, what would you respond? What steps will you take on the way to this profession? Write your thoughts in the Web Links Activity Log.

Voices From The Gaps: Lorna Dee Cervantes
According to this site, Cervantes believes that "writing in the language of childhood . . . is crucial to conveying thoughts." In fact, she is in the process of writing a poetry book for children. Follow the poet’s lead and compose a poem for children that describes the community where you live. Be sure to use clear and direct language.

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service: Endangered Species Program
These two poems reflect the losses that wildlife habitats and animal populations suffer when land is developed for human purposes. Learn about endangered species in the United States at this site. Click on Species Information and explore the links on various endangered animals and plants. Choose one endangered species and create a flyer that describes the plant or animal, explains why it is endangered, and details efforts to protect it.