We have changed our privacy policy. In addition, we use cookies on our website for various purposes. By continuing on our website, you consent to our use of cookies. You can learn about our practices by reading our privacy policy.

Tears of a Tiger Chapter 16 Summary

"How Am I Supposed to Write Poetry?"

  • Andy's supposed to write a poem for English class, so he tries it out.
  • The only problem is, he has way more on his mind than schoolwork.
  • His poem is about being in the darkness when everyone else is in the light—even though people are cheerful around him, he's down in the dumps.
  • Check out the last line of the poem: "I don't think I'm going to last." Dark, right?
  • The teacher tells them to pass up their poetry and says she's looking forward to reading them over Christmas break. The students mock her for liking poetry so much.
  • When everyone else passes their papers up, though, Andy keeps a hold of his. He doesn't want anyone to see it.
  • He knows this will hurt his ever-falling grade, but he doesn't care all that much. All he really cares about is Keisha, and he's hanging out with her tonight.
  • We get to read a couple other poems at the end of the chapter about love (Rhonda's), pain (Keisha's), prayer (B.J.'s), and music (Gerald's). Go team.