Poetry Break! Biographical Poetry

Introduction:
Use in context with a study of Egypt and its history. Begin by looking at a map of the important features such as the Valley of the Kings while also discussing the purpose of the pyramids. Read this book, with its connected poems, over a week while continuing the lessons on Egypt.


The Tomb of the Boy King (1)
by John Frank

Some thirty centuries later, a
determined archaeologist
named Howard Carter clutched a worn-
out map of Egypt in his fist.

Since nineteen hundred seventeen
he'd combed the Valley of the Kings,
pursuing treasures that he hoped
stayed hid from robbers' ravagings-

the fortune Tutankhamen, king,
was buried with inside a tomb,
to savor in the afterlife
when born again from death's dark womb.

A rich friend, Lord Carnarvon, paid
the bills for Carter's costly quest,
but then, in nineteen twenty two,
decided he should not invest

a penny more upon a search
that had, for years, borne no great find.
The stubborn archaeologist
resolved to change Carnarvon's mind,

and, seated in Carnarvon's home
(an English caste-stately,old),
he spoke his most convincing words,
the map of Egypt now unrolled.

"To hire a crew of me," he said,
"to labor in the desert sun
where nests of poisonous snakes abound
is not a task that's cheaply done.

"And there's one place we've not yet searched
along this portion of the Nile.
I'm certain that's where treasure awaits.
No scorpion, snake, or crocodile

"will keep me from this one last dig.
And if we locate riches, fame
will follow you throughout the world:
the fine will honor your good name!"

Carnarvon rubbed his chin, then said,
"I'll pay the bills one season more";
and Carter booked his passage back
by train and ship to Egypt's shore.


(from The Tomb of the Boy King by John Frank)

Extension:
Take students to see the Tutankhamen and the Golden Age of Pharaohs exhibit at the Dallas Museum of Art. If unable to see the exhibit, combine this with other books about Egypt and King Tut in particular. Ask them to pick an item of interest to write about.

Reference:
Frank, J. 2001. THE TOMB OF THE BOY KING. Ill. by Tom Pohrt. New York, NY: Farrar Straus Giroux. ISBN: 0374376743.