Then and Now by Jacqueline Black (Grades 1-3)

Jacqueline Black is a contemporary poet known for her reflective and emotionally resonant writing. Her poem “Then and Now” explores the passage of time and the ways memory shapes identity. Through vivid imagery and gentle rhythm, Black contrasts past innocence with present understanding, capturing the bittersweet nature of growth and change. Her work often centers on themes of nostalgia, resilience, and personal transformation, inviting readers to consider how experiences evolve with perspective. “Then and Now” exemplifies her ability to weave universal emotion with intimate detail, making her a distinctive and thoughtful voice in modern poetry.