Poetic Theme: Social Commentary – Part 1 Lesson Poetic Theme: Social Commentary – Part 1

Vegetarians by Roger McGough… one of Britain’s best-loved poets Vegetarians are cruel, unthinking people. Everybody knows that a carrot screams when grated. That a peach bleeds when torn apart. Do you believe an orange insensitive to thumbs gouging out its flesh? That tomatoes spill their brains painlessly? Potatoes, skinned alive and boiled, the soil’s little lobsters. Don’t tell me it doesn’t hurt when peas are ripped from the scrotum, the hide flayed off sprouts, cabbage shredded, onions beheaded. Throw in the trowel and lay down the hoe. Mow no more Let my people go! Your reaction? What message is McGough trying to send? What poetic devices are used?

Welfare Wednesday by Stephen Fearing Read the poem/song. What is your reaction to the song and it’s themes? What is your perspective on poverty in our local area? What poetic devices are used in the song? Should poets and other artists be commenting on society through their work? What should the role of the poet or artist be in our society?

The Lorax by Dr. Suess http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=soRbNlPbHEo

Strange Fruit written by Abel Meeropol/performed by Billie Holiday Southern trees bear a strange fruit Blood on the leaves and blood at the root Black bodies swingin' in the Southern breeze Strange fruit hangin' from the poplar trees Pastoral scene of the gallant South The bulgin' eyes and the twisted mouth Scent of magnolias sweet and fresh Then the sudden smell of burnin' flesh Here is a fruit for the crows to pluck For the rain to gather, for the wind to suck For the sun to rot, for the tree to drop Here is a strange and bitter crop Listen to the song. What is your reaction? In 1999, Time magazine named "Strange Fruit" the "song of the century." Why? Listen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h4ZyuULy9zs Background Info.: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Strange_Fruit

The Child Who Walks Backwards by Lorna Crozier Read poem. What is your reaction? What is the theme? What poetic devices are used? http://www.lornacrozier.ca/biography.html

Big Yellow Taxi by Joni Mitchell Read/Listen to the poem. What is your reaction? What is the theme? What poetic devices are used? Listen: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=94bdMSCdw20 Covers: Counting Crows ; Amy Grant ; Keb’Mo’