When students write description, they tend to focus on the visual and on what the eyes can observe. In our third Creative Writing lesson, we tried to shake this up by training our students to use the other four senses (touch, taste, sound and smell).

They were instructed to write a short passage about a blind man crossing the road. These were some of the highlights.

The Old Friend

By Cortez Tam P5A
I took my rough stick and walked to the bakery last year morning. When I have to cross a zebra crossing. My teeth and legs shook. Suddenly, I could smell my old friend! The man who I thought was my old friend held my hand and brought me across the zebra crossing. How warm his hand was! He was my old friend! My friend invited me to have breakfast with him. We ate in a restaurant. I always eat in that restaurant but this time, the food was the best that I have eaten before.
Until now, I still can not forget his voice, sound and hand.

I really missed home. I can hear the cars zooming around me as I notice that I was nearly crossing the road. I can hear the traffic lights beeping. I can smell the funky smell of the air. I gulped anxiously. As the traffic lights changed sounds, I heard the sound of a billion footsteps around me. I collected all my courage and finally made my first step. I randomly thought about my first war as a soldier. Someone blinded my eyes during the war so I am a veteran now. I can’t help myself but cry.

I felt the cool autumn wind brush against my face and arms as I stood nervously at the side of the road, gripping my walking cane with trembling hands. I could hear the screeching sounds of buses and taxis, and smell the warm gas from the cars. The traffic light started to beep frantically. I took a deep breath, trying to get a hold of my nerves. Then I stepped forward reluctantly. Whoosh! A car whizzed by. I shivered in fear. That was so close! I waited shakily until I couldn't hear anything, then I ran as fast as I could, across the road, not knowing what was in store for me.

My mother squeezing my hand tightly

afraid to let go,

her gentle kisses on my forehead

when I successfully crossed the road.

The taste of comfort

on shabby nights.

Whenever I cross the road,

I remember those times.

Blink… Blink…

I hear the traffic lights,

I used to think the traffic lights

hid some secret message only the FBI knew about.

A giggle escaped from my smile

as I recalled my childhood memory.

I feel the sun shining on my skin,

while the cars that pass by hit me with a light breeze.

I can smell the fresh pastries

in the bakery across the road.

It was peaceful until

I heard whispers spreading.

Are they talking about me?

Of course they are laughing

at the person swinging

their cane around on the street.

intrusive thoughts start flooding in.

The corners of my eyes started to feel watery.

Don’t cry, you wimp. Don’t cry.

I thought to myself

as I walked as fast

as I can without tripping.

Tears rolled down my face uncontrollably.

My throat felt dry,

I can taste a brackish taste

at the back of my throat.

I wish mother was here

Class Exercise: A Blind Man Crosses The Street