Necedah Student Writes Poem Inspired by Jean-Jacques Rousseau’s Confessions

Kristin Darnell read her poem, "Made Like No Other," in front
of approximately 300 high school students from around WI.
-photo by Carney Lentz

by Carney Lentz

Kristin Darnell created a poetic response to Jean-Jacques Rousseau's Confessions. 

Darnell took part in the University of Wisconsin Center for the Humanities "Confessions in Wisconsin" conference on Wednesday, March 25.

Darnell also represented Necedah High School during one of the plenary sessions, a gathering of all of the participating students during which each school has to share at least one project.

Made Like No Other

By Kristin Darnell

Made like no other I am one of a kind

I have no imitator please keep that in mind.

I speak the truth, so have no doubt

These are my confessions, please hear me out.

My life started as a tragedy with the death of my mother

To which I was blamed by my father and brother.

As I grew up, I was very advanced

Or was it my age that I conveniently enhanced?

From early on I read with my father

Till the break of dawn when the swallows would holler.

Sure I was mischievous as a child

But is urinating in a pot really that wild?

I grew up and had acquired many lovers

Some of which lasted longer than others.

I quit my apprenticeship and for that I am pleased

Until I ran out of money and became bereaved.

I converted to Catholicism and it was a bliss

I even explored priesthood until things went amiss.

My obsession with stealing was a weakness I faced

Until I confided in books, which I openly embraced.

I grew to be successful and was very well known

Through my philosophical work; I worked alone.

Made like no other I am one of a kind

I have no imitator please keep that in mind.