Josie Whitehead’s Poems
Although this is my own poem, and my own words, it reflects on a poem which I particularly like and translated is called: Die Slowly by Pablo Neruda.
Please take time to read the translation, which is in my section called “Poems I Like” and also to read about the life of this poet:
http://nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/literature/laureates/1971/neruda-bio.html
You could also write a poem yourself, listing all the things which you feel can bring people down in life and imprison them.
I would think that drink, drugs and bullying could come very high on your list in your poem called “The Death Sentence”.
I have used only generalities in my poem, but these could lead you into thoughts of what I mean.
Who do you know, for example, who have brought about their own death sentence.
Don’t ever say: “I am bored with the summer holidays etc.” because this may be the first step towards The Death Sentence on yourself.
Also, why not think of someone whom you admire because their lives are inspiring or good. Why not try a change of character for the day and step into their shoes?
If your class does this exercise, decide at the end of the day which person has shown most change for the better.
THE DEATH SENTENCE
By Josie Whitehead
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Click photo to play
recorded reading
SENTENCED
Is he who lacks vision, drive and ambition -
But prefers the imprisonment of tradition.
INCARCERATED
By bonds of monotonous life-draining labour
Yet unwilling to grasp any new opportunities.
KILLED
By lack of passion, uninspired thinking, apathy -
Unfulfilled dreams, melancholia, self destruction.
ENTOMBED FOREVER
Within the graveyard of the inward facing mind,
The constant complaining, yet unwillingness to change.
Copyright 2007