Peter Horton - Educator

1. 
   

   Perhaps theWorld Ends Here – Joy Harjo 

Author: Joy Harjo (born 1951), United States – Poet, musician, and the first Native American U.S. Poet Laureate. 
Time Period: Contemporary (21st century) 
About: A powerful meditation on the dining table as a place of life, history, memory, food, and human connection. Harjo’s poem frames the family meal as the center of human experience — where we live, learn, eat, talk, and become human. The Poetry Foundation 
Excerpt (short classroomfriendly): 
The world begins at a kitchen table. No matter what, we must eat to live. 
At this table we gossip, recall enemies and the ghosts of lovers. 
Our dreams drink coffee with us as they put their arms around our children. 
(This excerpt can spark class discussion about family, food, and culture.) 

2. 
   

   Eating Together– LiYoung Lee 

Author: LiYoung Lee (born 1957), American poet of Chinese descent. 
Time Period: Contemporary (late 20th / early 21st century) 
About: This poem celebrates the simple act of eating as a place of connection, family ritual, and shared experience. The vivid sensory images of food and family meals help students see eating together as both physical nourishment and emotional bonding. Medium 
Excerpt (studentappropriate): 
In the steamer is the trout / seasoned with slivers of ginger… 
We shall eat it with rice for lunch. 
(Use this to teach how poets describe food and family.) 

3. 
   

   Inviting a Friend to Supper– Ben Jonson 

Author: Ben Jonson (1572–1637), England – Major playwright and poet of the English Renaissance. 
Time Period: Early 17th century 
About: This poem is a poetic invitation to share a meal, celebrating hospitality, food, and friendship around the table. Jonson’s work helps students connect dining with inviting others, shared food, and social tradition — linking beautifully to both formal and cultural meal practices. Saveur 
Short Classroom Version: 
“Tonight, grave Sir, both my poor house, and I / Do equally desire your company…” 
(This can be used to show how people invited friends to dine in older times.) 

Teaching & Discussion Tips 

How to use these poems in class: 

• Read aloud together to build fluency and rhythm. 

• Ask students to identify food items, emotions, and activities related to meals. 

• Compare cultural images: Harjo’s family table, Lee’s meal preparation, Jonson’s invitation. 

• Have students write a short poem about dinner in their family using sensory words (taste, smell, sound). 

Study Guide – Learning Exercise  

What is a dining room? 

Example Answer 1: A dining room is a room where families eat meals. 

Example Answer 2: It is a place to share food and talk. 

What do families do in the dining room? 

Example Answer 1: Families eat together. 

Example Answer 2: They share stories and laugh. 

Name one item in the dining room. 

Example Answer 1: Table 

Example Answer 2: Chair 

How do families eat together in Nigeria? 

Example Answer 1: Families eat from one big plate. 

Example Answer 2: They use their hands to share food. 

What food is common in Italy? 

Example Answer 1: Pasta 

Example Answer 2: Pizza 

Name one way a dining room is decorated in France. 

Example Answer 1: Candles 

Example Answer 2: Flowers 

How is a Thai dining room different? 

Example Answer 1: They use low tables and cushions. 

Example Answer 2: Food is shared in the center. 

What is served during morning tea in China? 

Example Answer 1: Dim sum 

Example Answer 2: Tea like Pu-erh or chrysanthemum 

Why do families eat together? 

Example Answer 1: To talk and laugh 

Example Answer 2: To make memories 

Write one sentence about your dining room. 

Example Answer 1: I eat dinner at the table with my family. 

Example Answer 2: We share food and talk every night.