PRE-READING 1. What do you think the title of this poem might mean?
2. Can you think of many poems or songs inspired by bereavement? Try to name as many as you can.
COMPREHENDING AND RESPONDING 1. Who do you think the poet might be addressing in the first line of the poem?
2. Explain what you think Lawrence means by this phrase: ‘the small sharp stars are quite near’.
3. What is the poet wishing for in the last stanza of the poem, in your opinion?
4. How would you describe the overall atmosphere of this poem? Give reasons for your answer.
5. Do you think the title of this poem suits its content? Give reasons for your answer. 6. What, in your opinion, is the theme of this poem? Explain your answer.
CREATING
1. Many experts believe that writing can help us to deal with hard times in life. Write an article for your school website about the cathartic (relief through the expressing of emotion) benefits of writing, encouraging your readers to write letters and emails, diaries and blogs, poems and songs.
2. Write an email to a friend who is going through a difficult time. Include a quotation in your email that you think will help them at this time and explain your reasons for choosing this quotation.
