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Free Classroom Poetry Poster

Engage reluctant readers with Douglas Malloch's inspirational poem, 'Be The Best of Whatever You Are'.

Engage your students in poetry analysis, and watch as their confidence grows with this free classroom poster, including:

Full, annotated text of Douglas Malloch's poem, 'Be The Best of Whatever You Are'
Analysis prompts to help your students begin to think critically about this poem
Interactive QR code links to audio-visual recitals, analysis workshops, and more

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– Laura, ELA Teacher

If you can't be a pine on the top of the hill,

Be a scrub in the valley — but be

The best little scrub by the side of the rill;

Be a bush if you can't be a tree.

If you can't be a bush be a bit of the grass,

And some highway happier make;

If you can't be a muskie then just be a bass —

But the liveliest bass in the lake!

We can't all be captains, we've got to be crew,

There's something for all of us here,

There's big work to do, and there's lesser to do,

And the task you must do is the near.

If you can't be a highway then just be a trail,

If you can't be the sun be a star;

It isn't by size that you win or you fail —

Be the best of whatever you are!