Introduction:

(Opinion)- Even though change may be beneficial, it often leads to the loss of tradition. (compare works)- In the poem and short story, the authors have similar attitudes toward change. It is seen as something that may have a negative impact on individuals or society as it disrupts the traditional ways.  However, the author of the short story also supports change, as long as time is allowed for it to occur.

Body Paragraph I:
The first passage-

(Topic sentence)- The author of the poem believes that change is harmful because it leads to the loss of tradition.  (evidence 1)- In lines 20 through 23, she uses the metaphor of a "ribbon between herself and the past" to convey her sense of how the past is tied to the present. And yet the ribbon ended with her mother, revealing that a loss of tradition has occurred.  The past has not been handed down to her children, in particular. (evidence 2).  The author also shows that she values tradition, as she associates it with love and warmth.  In line 34 she uses the simile "like confetti" to describe her happy, joyful experience of Italian culture.  (evidence 3) Finally, the author expresses her regret that change has occurred in lines 42 through 44.  Here she asks the question "Did I fail my own children?", revealing an emotion of regret and sadness.

Body Paragraph II:
The second passage-

(Topic sentence)- The author of the second passage-- the short story-- also believes that change may have destructive effects.  However, he believes that change may be positive as long as it is given time to occur. (evidence 1)- In the story, Michael Obi is characterized as an enthusiastic, outspoken headmaster in favor of change and modernization. It is this aspect of his personality that leads him to shut down the villagers' ancestral path. (evidence 2)- He was chosen as headmaster precisely for his progressive qualities.  Therefore, it is ironic that the Supervisor criticizes him in the end for moving too quickly with change-- what he calls, "misguided zeal".  (evidence 3)- Michael Obi had attempted a positive change-- the beautification of the school premises.  However, because he was disrespectful of the villagers' tradition, symbolized by the footpath, negative effects-- the destruction of the school premises and the criticism of the Supervisor-- resulted from this change.

Conclusion:
 In conclusion, the authors of both works show how change often has a negative impact.  The second author also suggests that change can be good if it is given time to occur.  From both works it can be understood that we should respect tradition even as we attempt to improve our world with changes for the better.