25/5 Home-Based Learning Task 2

1.In this poem, the point of view is by a bystander witnessing the conflict and sadness."There are children in the darkness". The writer is writing from the point of view of a bystander. He is not the child who is suffering, nor is it his friend who is suffering. "Could we simply light a candle." The writer describes the children generally, he is not related to them in anyway. Thus he is writing from the point of view of a bystander who wants to step out and help the children.
2. The poem lets us imagine what is the difference between "darkness" and "light". If there is light, they would have a chance, to be taught how to read, to be taught how to dance, to learn how to fight. There would be chalk and blackboards in their lives, they would grow up. But in darkness, there is nothing, but sufferring. Their lives would be sacrificed. In darkness, war shall consume them, pour their blood, tear their flesh, and take their lives away. There is indeed a great difference between darkness and light, it is a matter of life and death for the children.
3. Language/Diction
The poet uses literary devices to emphasize the critical and unfair situation the children were in. In the poem, the poet conveys a message to his readers, to think, if they could actually be spared from the darkness and evil. The poet constantly repeats "Could We" at certain parts of the poem, which causes the reader to think if they could actually do something for the children, to bring their lives out of darkness, and shine.
4. Personal Response
This poem has made me feel extremely fortunate, because in Singapore, it is quite peaceful, and I was not born yet during the war. I am fortunate to not go through all the torture, to live in fear everyday of losing my life anytime. If I were one of those children, I would not be here writing, but already rotted beneath the ground.