In The Midst of Hardship (POEM) form 4

POEM


At dawn the returned home
their soaky clothes torn
and approached the stove
their limbs marked by scratches
their legs full of wounds
but on their brows
there was not a sign of despair

The whole day and night just passed
they had to brave the horrendous flood
in the water all the time
between bloated carcasses
and tiny chips of tree barks
desperately looking for their son`s
albino buffalo that was never found

They were born admist hardship
and grew up without a sigh or a complaint
now they are in the kitchen, making
jokes while rolling their ciggarette leaves



LITERAL MEANING (ACCORDING TO STANZA)

STANZA 1
At dawn, the villagers return home, their clothes, soaked and torn. They move towards the stove for warmth. Their hand and legs are covered with scratches and bruises. In spite of their situasion, they do not seem to be in despair.

STANZA 2

The rains have been long and heavy. There is a terrible flood. The waters are so strong and fierce that they have swept down trees and dead animals. The loss of life is evident. The husband and wife brave the flood to look for their son`s albino buffalo, his prized possession. But they never find it.

STANZA 3

The family has always lived in poverty and has learnt to cope with it. Thus, the people do not complain and have learnt to look at the brighter side of life. As they warm themselves, they joke and laugh and roll cigarette leaves so that they can relax, have a smoke and enjoy each other`s company.

2) MORAL VALUES

-We should learn to accept problems in life with a positive outlook.

-We must attempt to face and solve problem.

-Facing hardship is part and parcel of life.

-If we face a problem, do not feel despair.

3) LANGUANGE ASPECTS

Symbols – e.g. ‘horrendous flood’ and ‘bloating carcasses’

Imagery – Gives picture of poet’s thoughts e.g ‘soaky clothes torn’ and ‘legs full of wounds’

Alliteration – e.g. ‘but on their brows’

Diction – e.g. ‘stove’ and ‘brows‘

4) TONE, MOOD, ATMOSPHERE

-Understanding and sympathetic

-Acceptance of situation

5) MESSAGE

- We must carry on and persevere despite hardship

- Positive thinkings important when faced with life’s challenge

- Hardship and suffering build character.