Blessing Flashcards
‘The skin cracks like a pod’
Simile to emphasise the dehydration that people are experiencing, suggesting a harsh environment and hard ground. The plosive of ‘k’ mimics the harsh landscape and suggests skin damage.
The first two line stanza…
emphasises the scarcity of water
‘Imagine’
imagery and imperative to invite the reader into the poem
‘Drip’, ‘Splash’
Onomatopoeic sounds conveys the water scarcity.
‘The voice of a kindly God’
Imagery and metaphor to suggest that water is an act of divine mercy and kindness, linking back to the title of the poem, that water is a ‘Blessing’
‘Sudden rush’ to the next line ‘of fortune’
Caesura highlights the sound and possibly the refreshing feeling of water
‘Silver’ ‘Crashes’
Metaphorically described as silver that crashes. Dramatic description
emphasises their precious blessing of water
People as a ‘congregation’ who leave their ‘huts’
Reinforces religious nature of the event as congregation refers to a c
Church. And makes the reader question whether the lack of water is due to climate change.
‘Roar of tongues’
Onomatopoeic sound emphasising that everyone is happy.
‘Pots…”
They collect every last drop showing their gratefulness.
‘frantic hands’
Highlights the residents’ desperation and hysteria upon receiving water.
Use of enjambment in the 3rd stanza…
Emphasises the fast movements of the locals.
‘naked children’ ‘screaming’ ‘small bones’
Imagery reminds the reader of the poverty and fragility they face.
‘liquid sun’
Metaphor to describe the beauty of water for them.
‘Blessing sings’
Personification illustrates the importance of water for them.
The poem is written in…
