This fi nal poem is a poem of thanks, celebrating the importance of words. Conclusion
Before you read it, make a list of where you encounter words. When you have made your list, rank them in order of importance. So, for example, if you encounter words in conversation with your friends, this might be the most important use of words for you.
Poet Profi le
Name: Benjamin Zephaniah (b. 1958) Nationality: British-Jamaican
Fact: Benjamin Zephaniah describes himself as ‘a poet, writer, lyricist, musician and naughty boy’ on his website www.benjaminzephaniah.com. According to the poet, when he left school he was ‘virtually illiterate’. He has taught in prisons and schools, and met Nelson Mandela.
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Read this poem aloud with a classmate, one stanza each at a time. Practise in advance. Make sure that you know how to pronounce all the words, then decide which words/phrases you will place the emphasis on and where you will pause. Notice the bolded, italicised and ALL CAPS words to help you place your emphasis.
‘For Word’ BY BENJAMIN ZEPHANIAH
Thank you for the words I read Thank you for the words I need Thank you for the WORDS so great Thanks for words that raise debate, Thanks for the words on my bookshelf Thanx for the words I make myself Thank you for words that make me cry And words that leave me feeling dry.
