Filmmaker Darren Aronofsky’s desire to adapt the story of “Noah’s Ark” originates from a seventh grade poetry assignment. Aronofsky (pictured, via) wrote “The Dove,” his own version of the famous biblical tale, after his teacher Vera Fried asked her students to “write a poem about peace.”
According to Variety, he credits Fried as the person who inspired him “to become a writer.” Indiewire has posted the poem in its entirety; here’s an excerpt:
“The rain continued through the night
And the cries of screaming men filled the air
The ark was afloat
Until the dove returned with the leaf
Evil still existed.”