1. Who are ‘they’ in the fi rst line? 2. In your own words, how does this poem describe refugees?
3. Which of the words below best describes the speaker’s attitude? Choose one and explain your choice. Angry Dismissive
Welcoming Helpful
4. Can you fi nd any words or phrases repeated in this poem? What effect does this have on you as a reader?
Explore
1. With a partner, take turns reading this poem aloud. One person should read the poem from the top to the bottom (speaker 1) and the other person should read it from the bottom to the top (speaker 2).
(a) Do you see a different viewpoint? (b) Answer the Understand questions again, based on the second viewpoint. 2. Complete the table on page 50 of your Portfolio.
Create
1. Rewrite the poem in the form of two diary entries, one for each speaker. Add in punctuation. Use the following example to get you started:
Dear Diary, They have no need of our help, so do not tell me these haggard faces could belong to you or me. Should life have dealt a different hand ...
2. Write a letter to the Taoiseach outlining how you think we could help refugees from other countries. Use the checklist to help you.
Formal letters Sender’s address Recipient’s address Date Greeting First person
