MALAWI SECONDARY SCHOOL ENGLISH LITERATURE

POETRY

THE FAMILIAR STRANGER

By Johnstone B. Tembo

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 THE FAMILIAR STRANGER
1. Introduction to Poetry Page 1-4 14. Until When?
- Types of poems 15. Welcome Home
- Poetic devices
- How to understand a poem D. Poems By Dave Mankhokwe Page 19-23
16. The Howling Wind
2. Poem by Poem Analysis Page 4-30 17. I want Death
18. Our Fault
A. Poems By Temwani Mgunda Page 4-11
19. Back to the Future
1. Tell No One
2. Zomba Botanical Garden
E. Poems By Dyson Mthawanji Page 23-26
3. Song of a Woman
20.The Gap
4. Suicide Bomb of Chikanda
21. Money Multiplier
5. Echoes of Agony
22. This Beast
6. To my Juliet
7. The Song
F. Poems By Aubrey Chinguwo Page 26-28
23. A Soldier of the Great War
B. Poems By Ron Richard Muphuwa Page 11-13
24. Life Through the Shredder
8. Snap
9. Rebirth
G. Poems By Tuntufye Simwimba Page 28-30
10. Mowed
25. Go Ahead my Love
26. Ours
C. Poems By Patrick Achitabwino Page 14-19
11. It is not a Cigarette they Smoke
H. Poems By Grace Shara Page 30
12. The Cotton is Red
27. The Sacred Vows
13. The Crop
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THE FAMILIAR STRANGER 1. SIMILE

This is a system of comparing two unlike things using the
1. INTRODUCTION TO POETRY words, “like or as” e.g. This beast is harsh like strong wind.
The Familiar Stranger is a collection of poems (Poetry) written by
different poets. A poet is a poem writer, and, a poem is a presentation 2. METAPHOR
of ideas in which words or verses are arranged in stanzas. A poem can This is a system of comparing two unlike things without using
also be defined as an imaginative piece of writing that has rhythmic or the words, “like or as”. Instead, linking verbs are used e.g. Her
musical lines in it. hair is silk, or, This beast is strong wind.
TYPES OF POEMS
The following are some of the different types of poems; 3. PERSONA
i. Acrostic Poem is the type of a poem in which the first This is someone or something speaking in the poem.
letter of each line spells a word. 4. ADDRESSEE
ii. Epic Poem is the type of a poem which involves the
This is someone or something the persona speaks with or to.
celebration and achievements of a hero.
iii. Fable Poem is the type of a poem which has animals as 5. ALLUSION
characters but with a moral or lesson at the end. This is the direct reference to a name or an event in history
iv. Monody Poem is a type of a poem in which someone e.g.
mourns another person’s death or defeat. i. Joyce Mthuzi is our Queen Elizabeth in this class.
v. Ode Poem is a type of a poem in which someone praises a ii. Koko Tawa is the Judas Iscariot in my village.
person, a place or a thing.
vi. Lyrical Poem is a type of a poem which deals with love or 6. PERSONIFICATION
romance. This is when non-human things take up human qualities e.g.
vii. Panegyric Poem is a type of a poem praising a living or The sun bakes the soil. (Of which, we all know that baking is
dead person. done by people and not the sun).
viii. Sonnet Poem is a Shakespeare’s time traditional poem
with a pattern of 8 and 6 or 4, 4, 4 and 6 lines. 7. THEME
ix. Dramatic Poem is a type of a poem in which the This is the main point, or idea, that can be extracted from any
characters dialogue. piece of literature.
COMMON POETIC DEVICES
The following are some of the common poetic devices which are 8. SETTING
supposed to be used when analyzing any piece of Literature -poetry, in This is about when (time) or where (place) the events took
particular; place.

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9. ONOMATOPOEIA 16. MOOD

This is a system of using words that imitate sound e.g. Boom, This is the feeling the poem creates in the mind of the reader
Alas, Vroom, etc. or listener. The mood can be sad or happy.

10. HYPERBOLE 17. TONE

This is an expression which shows exaggeration e.g. I nearly This is the quality of the speaker’s voice. The tone, just like the
died laughing; My father smells money wherever he goes, etc. mood, can be sad or happy.

11. PUNS 18. PARADOXY

These are words with double meanings. This is the contradiction of events or situations in the poem
with unexpected outcome.
12. IMAGERY
This is the use of symbols that create images or pictures in the 19. IRONY
mind of the reader or listener. This is the use of words which are having a different meaning
apart from their usual meaning.
13. SYMBOLISM
This means using objects or animals that represent an idea e.g. HOW TO UNDERSTAND A POEM
a lion represents loyalty or brevity; a cross represents A poem can be understood based on two levels. The first level is called
Christianity, punishment or trouble; Golgotha represents the denotative level in which the poem is understood on the surface
mortuary or graveyard; swine represents pig or pork; beast using the direct meanings of words as defined in the dictionary. The
represents monster, barbarian, cannibal or vampire; flowers second one is the Connotative level in which the poem is understood
or roses represent love, nature, birth or growth; a dove deeply. The words in this level are not translated using the dictionary
represents peace; rain represents freedom; tears represent as they may mean different things e.g. a flower may mean love, and a
troubles or sorrows; etc. dove may mean peace, just to mention a few.

14. ALLITERATION POETS IN THE FAMILIA STRANGER

This is the repetition of the same consonant words at the
The Familiar Stranger has the poems written by the following;
beginning e.g. Frail and fragile.
Temwani Mgunda, Ron Richard Muphuwa, Patrick Achitabwino, Dave
15. IDIOM Nankhobwe Namusanya, Dyson Mthawanji, Aubrey Chinguwo and
This is an expression which has a separate meaning apart from Grace Shara.
the direct meaning of the given word, words or phrases.

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2. POEM BY POEM ANALYSIS poem, does not reveal what the uncle said to her if she
tells anyone about what the uncle does to her. What we
A. POEMS BY TEMWANI MGUNDA
know is only the warning, “Tell No One.”
1. Tell No One
It’s been months and months Questions
I have endured the tribulation i. Who is the speaker or persona in this poem?
I have carried the cross mutely - The little girl.
But now frail and fragile ii. Who is the addressee in this poem?
No longer can I carry on - The little girl’s aunt.
On this rutted road to Golgotha iii. Describe how the theme, “Child abuse” has been
Let me unwrap it all portrayed in this poem?
- The little girl’s uncle used to rape the little girl
Aunt, whenever her aunt is away.
Uncle is heartless swine! iv. Identify the poetic devices of the following
Uncle is brutal beast! extracts from the poem;
Yes, my uncle, your husband, a. Frail and fragile
Throws himself on me time after time - Alliteration
And each time he does it b. Uncle is a heartless swine
He sternly warns me: - Metaphor
Tell no one c. Throws himself on me time after time
- Hyperbole
New Words and their Meanings v. Mention and justify the tone of this poem?
i. Tribulation – suffering/torture - The tone of this poem is sad because the little
ii. Frail - weak girl is being oppressed sexually.
iii. Fragile –breakable vi. Describe the character of each of the following;
iv. Heartless - merciless a. The little girl
Poem Analysis - She is enduring because she stayed for a long
This poem is about the little girls who are being defiled by time being raped but stayed silent.
those they trust. They choose to remain silent because of b. An uncle
fear that they might cause confusion in the families of - He is abusive because he sexually assaulted
their relatives which may break up. The persona, in this the little girl whenever is wife was away.

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2. Zomba Botanical Garden Questions

Perched at the foot of a towering plateau i. Describe one theme portrayed in the poem?
Beaming delightedly and full of life - Beauty. Portrayed by evergreen leaves.
With trees clad in cheerful evergreen leaves ii. What phrase shows personification in this poem?
As they stand on manicured green carpets - With trees clad in cheerful evergreen leaves.
Punctuated by a bed of flowers here iii. Mention and justify the tone of this poem?
And a battalion of rocks standing guard there - Happy. This has been shown because of the
presence of birds, flowers and green leaves.
Birds ceaselessly chanting lullabies These bring joy to the speaker.
Softly piecing the cemetery silence iv. What does each of the following expressions from
The serpent-like Mulunguzi snaking through the poem mean;
Its waters here splashing and there splattering a. Falling from grace to grass?
Surely, Adam and Eve must have walked and played here - Moving from favor to rejection because of
Before falling from grace to grass something done wrongly.
b. Cemetery silence?
New Words and their Meanings - Complete stillness or silence.
i. Perched –rested, being put, located v. What setting does this poem has?
ii. Manicured –trimmed lawns of grass - This poem has a rural setting because of the
iii. Lullabies –soothing or gentle songs presence of trees which are evergreen.
iv. splattering –splashing
3. Song Of A Woman
Mine is a song of lament
Poem Analysis A song studded with grief and sorrow
Botanical Gardens are special protected areas where Who will break these chains of oppression?
plants are grown for scientific research. In this poem, Entangling and chocking me from time immemorial?
Zomba Botanical Garden is displayed as a beautiful place When will they cease this suppression of expression?
where evergreen leaves tell the story that nature is intact. And let my voice be heard?
It has been likened to the Garden of Eden due to the
presence of Adam and Eve in the poem. In this Garden, it Mine is a song of lament
is stated that birds sing softly and the place is just cool. A song studded with sad lyrics
When shall my man regard me his equal?

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And shun crowning me an underdog? v. Hewers – choppers

Who decreed only men must decide, vi. Vilify –speak ill of/criticize
And women nod their heads? vii. Liberty - freedom
viii. Underdog –second class
I chant a song of lament
Poem Analysis
A song with unmusical rhythm
This poem tells us more about the oppressions many
When shall they sound a death-knell for property-
women face in their communities. In this poem, the
grabbing?
woman’s freedom of expression is violated, the woman is
For widows to get ultimate solace?
regarded as a second class person (underdog), when
Where it is inscribed only husbands are breadwinners
widowed, her properties are grabbed, and lastly, she is
And wives mere recipients?
denied the right to education. All this is due to culture and
I am weary of stretching vocal chords for this
the woman appeals for equality but her voice is not heard.

A song of lament
Questions
When shall daughters enter a classroom?
i. Who is the persona in this poem?
To drink from the pots of wisdom laid there?
- A woman
Tell people, who declared it
ii. Describe one theme portrayed in this poem?
That girls be hewers of wood or fetchers of water?
- Violence against women. This theme has been
portrayed by the person who feel sorry
Listen to my song all ye that have ears
because of the behavior of sidelining girls in
A song of lament
education.
When will they vilify violence against women?
iii. What does “To drink from the pot of wisdom”
So that I dance the dance of liberty?
mean?
When shall the woman attain her dignity?
- To get knowledge from the teachers or simply
For me to sing a song of joy?
to get knowledge from classes.
iv. What is the tone of this poem? Justify your
New Words and their Meanings
response.
i. Lament - mourn/grieve
- The tone is sad because women are being
ii. Entangling -entrapping
sideline and this is another form of
iii. Studded –decorated
oppression.
iv. Solace – comfort

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v. What are the various forms of oppression females sick and becoming very skinny because of the disease he
face as revealed in the poem? has contracted. He cries deeply for his life on his death
a. Daughters – they are not sent to school but bed in Ward 2B. Yes, he has killed himself and that is what
boys we call ‘’suicide.’’
b. Widows – face property grabbing.
c. Women – are regarded as second class people Questions
and not consulted in decision making. i. Who is the persona in this poem?
- A man who lives as a womanizer.
4. Suicide Bomb Of Chikanda ii. Pick out a line that has been used to show that the
Downtown Chikanda man was thin?
At the brothel of a rest house - More bones than steak.
He ferociously sorted them out iii. Identify and explain any theme in this poem?
One after other - Recklessness. The man lives a reckless life and
Wave after wave is not even willing to change his behavior.
Cutting like a sharp razor blade! iv. Mention any words that alliterate is the poem?
Now here he moans and groans - Frail and fragile.
Inside WARD 2B 5. Echoes Of Agony
Frail and fragile
Not only rough and tough the road might be
More bones than steak
But also lengthy and thorny
Those were lethal suicide bombs
Yet, all the same, brother
The journey from womb to tomb
New Words and their Meanings
Ought to be travelled in full
i. Brothel –a place where men visit prostitutes.
Sprinting here, inching there
ii. Groans –despair, deep cry due to pain
iii. Lethal –deadly, dangerous
Not only hard and harsh the times might be
Poem Analysis But also painful and perilous
Chikanda is famous slum township in Zomba city. This Yet, still more, brother
poem talks about someone who used to live an immoral One has to gallantly march on
life, especially sleeping with prostitutes in the rest house Putting one foot in front of other
(brothel). As of this time the poem is written, he is very Swift now, slow then

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You should have boldly confronted the fiery weather iv. “In the devoid foothills of Mwazisi.” What effect
And valiantly pass through the seasons does this line have on the on the last stanza?
You should have spiritedly trudged on v. Why do you think the poem is titled, “Echoes of
Even if life turned into day-to-day grim struggle Agony?”
For every soul on this vile earth vi. Which line in the poem portray that life is full of
Has its just share of woes and afflictions troubles?

Now here with aching bottoms we perch 6. To My Juliet

In the devoid foothills of Mwazisi
I have sojourned from far
Eternally hit by the echoes of agony
Descending the hills of Nyika
Our anguished heads drooped
Trudging into the valleys of Shire
Frail arms resting on feeble knees
Till long at last
Why, brother, why?
Upon you, my sweetie have I stumble

New Words and their Meanings

But fathom this, my Nanazi
i. Sprinting –running fast or going on top
I have tramped upon the steady walls of tribalism
ii. Afflictions –disorder/disease/pain
For what’s in a tribe one’s fettered to?
iii. Gallantly –in a brave or heroic manner
I have left over the muscular territorial barricades
Poem Analysis For what’s in a territory one springs from?
This poem is about someone who kills himself.
Hence be certain my betrothed
Questions Asunder naught shall lay us
i. What mood and tone does this poem portray? Till doomsday trumpet shrieks
Justify your answer. For I am Romeo
- This is a sad poem because the brother kills And you are my Juliet
himself.
ii. This poem is about the brother who killed himself. New Words and their Meanings
Pick out lines that discourage the act of suicide? i. Sojourned –vacation/holiday/stopover
iii. Which lines from the first and the second stanza ii. Trudging –tramp/walk slowly and with heavy feet
mean the same as “All days are not Sundays?” iii. Barricades –blockade/obstruction/roadblock
iv. doomsday –the end of the world/terrible day

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Poem Analysis vii. In the second stanza, what effect do expressions,

This poem is about the man who comes from very far “Steady walls of tribalism,” and, “Muscular
away and he loves the woman who is very much different territorial barricades,” have on the subject/theme
from his people in terms of culture and tradition. The man of the poem?
sees his culture as nothing to stop him from loving this viii. Which line in the last stanza shows that the man
woman. He loves her so much to the extent of calling her, will love this lady forever?
“My Nanazi” which denotatively means pineapple. This
poem is so much influenced by William Shakespeare’s
7. The Song
play, “Romeo and Juliet,” who loved each other so much
despite the hatred and differences in status between their Season in, season out
parents. Their love was strong and dangerous because in This song we have chanted
the end, both died. A song pregnant with chunks of wisdom
A song studded with words of the sages
Questions On how to elude the sharp tenacious jaws
i. Who is the persona in this poem? Of this marauding scourge
- A man in love
ii. Who is the addressee? But sad and disheartening
- The woman to marry. That season in, season out
iii. Describe one theme portrayed in this poem? The retinue of victims soars
- Love. The man comes from very far way When shall we, countrymen
because he loves her. Cease stretching our vocals chords
iv. Which poetic devices are the following; Chanting the song over and over again?
a. My Nanazi – my lover.
b. I am Romeo – I am your lover. New Words and their Meanings
c. You are my Juliet – You are my lover. i. Chanted - sang
ii. Chunks – amount/large piece/mass
v. This poem is inspired by an English playwright iii. Sages –wisdom
William Shakespeare’s play, “Romeo and Juliet.” iv. Tenacious – stubborn
How is the story in the play similar to what is v. Marauding – plague
presented in the poem? vi. Scourge – plague
vi. Which part of Malawi does the persona come vii. Disheartening – threatening
from? Explain your answer. viii. Retinue – followers

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ix. Soars – rises a. Cease stretching our vocal’s chords

x. Cease – stops - Stop mourning
b. The retinue of victims soar
Poem Analysis
- The followers of victims increase.
This poem reveals a message which is passed on
continuously i.e. season in season out. Because of the
outbreak, represented by the word “Scourge” which B. POEMS BY RON RICHARD MUPHUWA
means plague, this might be AIDS. This outbreak claims 8. Snap
the lives of many people who are regarded as followers in What kind of rabbit is this?
large numbers (soar- rises). The persona seems to be What manner of enjoyment is this?
desperate as many people die due to lack of cure. People
If this is not self-destruction
cry deeply (Stretching our vocal chords) for their friends
Looking at death in the mouth
and relative who die of it.
Playing deliberately on the grave’s door
Questions Then what is it?
On your finger, keys dangled
i. Describe any two themes that are portrayed in Towards your car, you staggered
this poem? The door you opened
- Desperation. The persona is desperate as he At the speedometer you never looked
does not know what can save people dying of Vroom then crash?
AIDS. Blood flowed on the door
- Death. There is a large number of people Snap
dying of AIDS.
ii. Which poetic devices are each of the following; Your life you did end
a. A song pregnant with chunks of wisdom And that of your friend
- Personification. A song is pregnant but it is What did you leave with your wife?
only women who can be pregnant. Not a reed of hope to hold to, or a knife
b. Marauding scourge Of strength to cut through wall of burdened life
- Metaphor. All because of dry
iii. What is the tone of this poem? Justify your
answer. New words their meanings
- Sad because many people are dying of AIDS. i. Snap – crash
iv. Explain the meaning of the following;

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ii. Deliberately – intentionally - It is the urban setting due to the presence of

iii. Dangled – swung bottled beer.
iv. Burdened – troubled viii. What does each of the following expressions mean
as used in this poem?
Poem Analysis a. Looking at death in the mouth
Snap, which means Crash, is a poem revealing the dangers - Doing nothing in times of danger
of careless driving which is influenced by alcohol. In the b. Playing deliberately in the grave’s door
poem, the persona is so reckless because he over speeds - Intentionally playing with a death causing
his car and abandoning traffic rules which eventually, leads factor
to a car crash (snap), claiming his life and leaving his wife
behind helpless. In this case, the persona is very careless 9. Rebirth
and irresponsible to the extent of looking at death in the At night we sowed the seeds of hard work
mouth and playing deliberately on the door of the grave. Near and far scattered the grains
Hope filled, eager to reap
Questions The fruits of our labour
i. Who is the persona in this poem?
- The concerned citizen. And behold the trees that bare grounds dressed
ii. To whom is the addressee speaking? See the beauty of green our sweat clothed
- The careless driver. And fresh air the world breathed
iii. Describe any two themes in this poem? As rain gave life to a land long dead
- Carelessness. The driver is driving and over In the trees the birds chirp
speeding. Under the shades the cows mow
- Death. The people die due to car accident.
iv. Which poetic devices are the following? Flora and Fauna now we can show
a. Snap – Onomatopoeia
As we dance to celebrate the rebirth of nature
b. Looking at death in the mouth – Personification
v. Identify and justify the tone of this poem?
- It is a sad tone because of the death of people New words and their meanings
due to accidents. i. Scattered – spread
vi. What character has the driver portrayed in this ii. Reap – harvest
poem? iii. Flora and fauna – nature
- Carelessness. He drives the car while drunk. iv. Flora – plants
vii. Describe the setting of this poem? v. Fauna – animals

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Poem Analysis Day by day, the hopes of cure fade

Denotatively, this poem talks about the beauty of nature As society’s fabric is mowed by AIDS
observed when rains fall after a long dry spell. There are Strange, no youth chooses to abstain
usually green grass and flesh plants and different kinds of
animals singing. This symbolizes the restoration of nature. New words and their meanings
Connotatively, the poem talks about the struggle people go i. Gong –hand bell
through when fighting for freedom as rain, symbolically, ii. Fabric –thread/yarn
represents freedom.
iii. Cure -treatment
Questions Poem Analysis
i. Describe one theme portrayed in this poem? This poem talks about the deaths of many people due to
- Hard work. People work hard in their fields and AIDS. People die one after another within a short time (…
realize bumper yield. day-by-day …) and the persona is shocked to see the youth
ii. Identify and justify the tone of this poem? who do not want to even abstain.
- Happy tone because the people receive rain
and believe to harvest a lot of grains Questions
iii. What is the setting of this poem? i. Describe one theme portrayed in the poem?
- Rural setting because there is the presence of - Death. Many people die of AIDS.
ii. How are the deaths of people announced in the
trees. area?
- The gong is used i.e. the metal instrument is
10. Mowed hit to produce sound in order to attract the
people’s attention.
Our eyes have seen many fall iii. What literacy device is “Our eyes have many fall
Like mowed grass like mowed grass”?
And sky let falling stars - Simile
iv. What mood is portrayed in this poem? Justify your
Our ears have caught answer.
The village crier’s gong - Sad because many people die of AIDS.
Announcing yet another dead

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C. POEMS BY PATRICK ACHITABWINO ii. Tillers – farmers

iii. Power – force
11. It Is Not A Cigarette They Smoke
iv. Impregnates – permeates/infuse
In those big-bellied cars
v. Blossoming - promising
That awake ancestors from sleep
It is not petro, it is not diesel Poem Analysis
That power their speed The poem reveals the setback the tobacco farmers face as
But the stinking sweat of tobacco tenants they become poorer and poorer while the buyers are
getting richer and richer. The situation is so worry some
Christ and is likened to the slavery the Israelites had in Egypt from
Until when shall the tillers of soil which, Moses led them out to a promised land called
Be chained in the Egypt of poverty? Canaan. In this poem, Egypt the poverty the farmers face
Shall the labourer reach the Promised Land? and on other hand, the Promised Land, Canaan, is the
The Canaan of economic independence? symbol of another life of economic independence where
poverty is no more.
It is not cigarettes they smoke
Any puff of smoke sprouting Questions
Out of their fatty lips i. Who is the persona in this poem?
Is my life escaping to death? - Tobacco tenants
The sorrow of the underpaid farmer ii. Who is the addressee in this poem?
- The landlord. This is revealed by the practice
where tenants grow tobacco and receive the
Land of my birth payment after the harvest.
When shall the land be my land? iii. What shows that one group benefits more than
Shall I ever cease being a hole? the other in this poem?
That impregnates the soil with seeds - The landlords are richer than the tenants.
But never owns ownership of the blossoming fruits? iv. What complaint has the persona raised in this
poem?
- Low payment.
New words and their meanings v. How is the persona affected in this poem?
i. Ancestors – forefathers - The persona works hard but is becoming
poorer and poorer.

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vi. Identify and justify the setting of this poem? Of wounded dreams
- It is the rural area due to the presence of Bruised economic miracles
farmers. Of mothers who burn their blood
vii. How has the theme, “oppression” portrayed in this Come stinging rain
poem? Come burning sun
- Farmers are underpaid for their tobacco. In cotton plantations
viii. What figures of speech are the following;
a. Big-belled cars:- personification This cotton only turns white
b. That awake ancestors from sleep:- hyperbole Where the Gods of our sweat
c. It is not petro, it is not diesel that power their The harvesters of our labour
speed:- irony Linen the cotton
ix. What is the tone of this poem? Value it beyond imaginable percentages
- It is sad because farmers gain nothing from Beyond the pains of labour
their hard work.
x. Explain the characters of the following; Shall our cotton be ever white?
a. Farmer. The farmer is hardworking as he grows Shall it snow-white in my field
and manage the tobacco. Vaseline my cracked hands
b. Tobacco-buyers. They are oppressive because Sugar the song of the planet
Shall it?
they offer low prices when buying tobacco.
12. The Cotton Is Red New words and their meanings
If you say this cotton i. Crimson – cherry
I mean ii. Charred –burned and made black
If you this cotton is white iii. Bruised –wounded
Then you are blind iv. Unimaginable - unbelievable
It is as black as charcoal
Charred with the pains of labour Poem Analysis
On the fore of underpayment Cotton is always white and not red. The title of this poem is
so ironic because it reveals the cry of the cotton farmer
This cotton is red who sees no benefit from cultivating this crop. What he
Stained in crimson blood sees are only yolks of slavery as he earns little as expected.

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The cotton is red (and) stained in crimson blood Have ever seen urea and ammonia?
symbolizing the farmer seeing nothing good in cultivating Have you ever seen insecticides falling?
the crop. In an exaggerating way, what the farmer sees is Like manna from manufacturing companies?
nothing but problems because what he earns from it is not Then you talk of discussions on one paper
even enough to buy Vaseline and sugar. Hiding a litany of below value rates in mother hand

Questions
What is the cost of opening the bowl of this soil?
i. Who is the persona in this poem? How much is the value of each thorn?
- Cotton farmer. That pepperingly stung my hands and feet
ii. Who is the addressee? Tell me how I rate the itching moments
- cotton buyer I had to scrub Chitedze on my back against rocks and sand
iii. Describe one theme portrayed in this poem?
- Exploitation as farmers are being offered low You hover in on big birds
prices on their crops. You caught at the dust-mileage on our feet
iv. Identify a simile in this poem; Night catches you in posh hotels and villas
- It is as black as charcoal All that but fruits of my sweat
v. Mention and justify the tone of this poem? Works of these cursed hands of mine
- It is a sad tone because farmers realize very
little money from their hard work. This is not our crop
vi. What setting has been portrayed in this poem? This is not our dream
- Rural area due to the presence of the cotton This is not our sweat
farmers. We are nothing but the pot that cooks
But partakes not in the delicious meal
13. The Crop Pity you fire that curses my back mercilessly
The sun rays and rain spears
Angrily pierced my unstrengthening back New words and their meanings
The clawed fingers sifting the barren soil i. Sifting – separating
Paving the highway to the auction floors ii. Barren – infertile or fruitless
iii. Scrub – rub
You buy my sweat peanut rates iv. Hover – fly
Tell me what determines quality leaf?

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Poem Analysis - Hardworking. They work hard in their farm

This poem also reveals the complaints or the cries of the produce
farmer who works very hard in his field but earns little b. Crop buyers?
from his sales. The farmer narrates the tough times he - Selfish. They offer low prices to farmers while
faces while out in his field e.g. applying fertilizer, tilling the they enjoy themselves in hotels.
soil, being pierced with thorns, being his hit with the sun’s vi. Describe the setting of this poem?
rays and being hit with rains. But alas! In the end, he is - Rural area due to the presence of farmers
offered very low prices.
14. Until When?
Questions
Mama Africa
i. Who is the persona in this poem? Until when
- Farmer. Shall we
ii. Who is the addressee? Your mourning
- Crop buyers Children
iii. Describe one theme portrayed in this poem? Weep?
- Exploitation. Farmers are being exploited by
being underpaid for their crops. We
iv. Which poetic devices are the following; Your children
a. Have you ever seen insecticides falling like Whose heels
manna from manufacturing companies? Dry the ground
- Simile Dry
b. What is the cost of opening the bowl of this
soil? We
- Personification Whose feet
c. What is the tone of the poem? Justify your Mileage
answer. Meters
- Sad tone because the farmers get little money In millions
from their farm produce.
v. Describe the character of the following; We
a. Farmers? Your children
That soup newspapers

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Lunch bawo 15. Welcome Home

Deserts jokes Son of the soil
Have the wheels busted
Until when You flew by the market blaring the horn
Until when Throwing dust in the eyes of your people
Mama Africa Welcome home

New words and their meanings Points of order don’t drill boreholes
i. Mileage –long distance/number of miles travelled Can rejecting budgets buy drugs for the clinic?
ii. Heels –back part of human foot
Welcome you home our beloved child
You danced the dance of the honourables
Poem Analysis You drunk the liquor of power
This poem reveals the poverty an African Continent faces. Through a paper we gave a sit
In this, an African seems to be complaining for walking long Through a paper we have recalled you back
distances on foot and having nothing to eat on lunch but
playing bawo. This is a very serious case of poverty. The ballot paper is the voice of the voiceless
Isn’t that paper enough a gun and bullet to kill elephants?
Questions

i. Who is the persona in this poem? Prince of the compound

- An African If thirty droughts your throat
ii. Who is the addressee? Like water with bleating goats in the dams
- Africa And if diarrhea tears down your bowels
Prays that shoots of the chitimbe remedy you
iii. How has the theme, “Poverty” been portrayed in
this poem? We mourned that you lost identity
- There is movement of the persona on dry Should we not celebrate that you see your mess with us
ground with bare feet. now?
iv. What poetic device is the phrase, “Mama Africa”?
- It is personification Constituency messiah
Rain never fears darkness

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That kills a burning furnace iv. Which poetic devices are each of the following?
Is the ash that shits? a. Constituency messiah –Irony. The MP is no
Once every five years we are kings and queens longer a savior of the constituency because he
has not carried out any development in his
New words and their meanings area.
i. Furnace –heater/boiler/kiln/stove v. What is has this poem presented?
ii. Remedy –cure/drug/medication - It is a sad tone because his constituency
iii. Messiah -savior remains poor.
vi. Describe the character of the following;
Poem Analysis
a. MP. He is irresponsible because he abandons
This poem welcomes a Member of Parliament (MP) who is
his area and stay in town.
voted out due to his behavior of not helping those who
b. Voters. They are vengeful because they vote
voted for him. It is clear that the people loved him and
out their MP for throwing dust in the eyes
called him their Savior i.e. Constituency Messiah. However,
people while cruising.
he does not carry out development activities in his own
vii. What is the setting of this poem?
land of which he is called “Son of the Soil.” His area has no
- The poem is set in rural area due to the
borehole and he does nothing about it.
presence of goats and dusty roads.
Questions
D. POEMS BY DAVE MANKHOKWE NAMUSANYA
i. Who is the persona in this poem?
- Constituency voter 16. The Howling Wind
ii. Who is the addressee? The howling wind
- Member of Parliament (MP) No longer comes from the west
iii. How have the following themes been portrayed in It is no longer brewed
this poem? In the hearts of revolutionaries
a. Poverty
- The area has no borehole and people draw The howling wind
water in dams where animals also drink No longer alters the political landscape
b. Irresponsibility It is no longer
- The MP rejected the budget in parliament and A treatment for racial segregation
the road is dusty and hospital has no drugs.

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The howling wind 17. I Want Death

Uproots houses So
Leaving people homeless This is my resolution
Places unreachable My plans towards
The fulfilment of my goals
The howling wind
No longer has a figurative meaning I aim
It is now real To lay unprotected
Just a plane destroyer With those of my age and not
To smoke
New words and their meanings And drink like a fish
i. Howling –growling/hooting/roaring
ii. Segregation –separation/setting apart/division I plan
iii. Figurative –descriptive/pictorial/metaphorical To abscond classes
Spend time not only in taverns
Poem Analysis
But in video game centres
In the first three stanzas, the poem, metaphorically, reveals
the sufferings and other forms of oppression in the society.
I want death
This shows how the people of Nyasaland, now Malawi,
Physically, mentally and spiritually
were oppressed during the colonial rule. In the last stanza,
That is why I will do all that
the poem concludes that the howling wind is no longer
metaphoric but the same wind we know and causes
New words and their meanings
problems to the people. All this is due to climate change.
i. Resolution –conclusion/decision/judgment
Question ii. abscond –escape/run away/get out

i. Give and describe one theme portrayed in this Poem Analysis

poem? This poem is a warning and an advice to the youth. The
- Climate change. The wind in so violent to the youths are warned to stop indulging themselves in life
extent of destroying houses and making risking behaviors such as smoking, unprotected sex and
people homeless. drug and substance use and abuse e.g. alcohol. Failing

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which, they will surely die. It is, therefore, important that We hear of river bursting
the youth must avoid all forms of immoral behavior and Hear the nature getting mad and violent
rather spend their time on studies and attending classes. And the live get lost

Questions We rush to the hills

i. Who is the persona in this poem? To appease the ancestors
- A young person i.e. a youth. And plea for mercy and forgiveness
ii. Describe any three themes you can extract from
this poem? The old guards say to our shock
a. Carelessness. The speaker in this poem has an The ancestors did flee
immoral behavior and he sleeps with people They cannot live bare mountains
unprotected.
b. Foolishness. The persona is so foolish that he Then again we go home
smokes and drinks heavily to terminate his own To wait for the heat to dissipate
life. Watch the clouds gather
c. Irresponsibility. The persona does not attend
classes and be involved in this that destroy lives of And the routine continues
people. The winds disperse the clouds
iii. Identify any simile in this poem? No rain
- “And drink like a fish.”
We wonder
18. Our Fault And cry
The rains come no more Yet we cannot go to the ancestors
The clouds gather
But winds rush to disperse them They live not in bare mountains
They lodge not in destroyed nature
The heat is our companion It is our fault
The bakes the soil
And roast our bodies New words and their meanings
i. Disperse –scatter/discharge/dispel
ii. Companion – friend

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iii. Dissipate –clear out/disband/squander and their beliefs in consulting the spirits of
their ancestors to intervene in their problem.

Poem Analysis
The poem reveals how human activities such as
19. Back To The Future
deforestation have contributed to climate change. Because
Let not time rush
of this, human beings are not living comfortably due to
The sun ought to circle in its orbit
their own activities. The rains come no more, temperature
As it has always done
rises abnormally, people die and hunger falls on them.
They cry to their ancestors for help but no answer as the
Take me back
mountains remain bare. Later, they admit it as their own
This time to the future
fault.
Let me live my life then
Questions
Perhaps, I might work hard in class
i. Give and explain two themes given in this poem?
With the same zeal that boys had
- Desperation. There is no rain and the people
Without considering my sex
are crying for it. Though they cry, there is no
solution.
Let me get back to the past
- Superstition. People rush to the hills to
But I should take the future with me
communicate their ancestors so that they
So that I prove my parents wrong
should receive the rains.
Mine is not vengeance
ii. What poetic devices are each of the following?
It is a plea for chance
- The sun bakes the soil. –Personification.
To convince them all back then
- The heat is our companion. –Metaphor.
That is possible
iii. What is the tone of this poem?
For ladies to achieve as men
- The tone is sad because there is no rain.
As future beholds
Because of this, drought hits the land and
hunger comes in.
New words and their meanings
iv. Give and justify the setting of this poem?
i. Zeal –passion/devotedness/zest/keenness
- It is the rural setting. This has been revealed
ii. vengeance –revenge/retaliation/tit for tat
through the people’s activities such as farming

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Poem Analysis school and favor the boy child which is both
This poem highlights the plea of a girl child who decides to ignorant and uncivilized.
go back to school and learn. This girl might have been
withdrawn from school not because of her fault but the E. POEMS BY DYSON NTHAWANJI
will of her parents due to cultural reasons which favor boys
20. The Gap
to attend classes over girls. This girl seems to be
Her eyes penetrate the mountains
courageous enough to perform better in class just as how
She crosses the valleys bare footed
boys do it.
Yes, she has a destination to reach
She wants to reach
Questions
She wants to reach the peak of life
i. Who is the persona in this poem? And fill the gap between men and women
- A girl child.
ii. To whom is the girl child talking? Sadness engulf her mind
- The addressee is her parents. Because no woman ever set her feet within perimeters of
iii. How is theme “Gender based violence” portrayed classroom
in this poem? They all dived into the territory called early marriage
- The parents stop the girl child from continuing Hence her enthusiasm to reach the peak of good life
with her education and helps the males one. And be at par with men in her community
iv. What is the tone of this poem and justify it?
- Sad tone because the girl’s right to education She sinks her head in books
is violated. She eyes a day people will smile at her
v. Mention any other two themes portrayed in this Not because of her beauty
poem? But because of her weighty brain
- Ambition and Discrimination. She is an amazing girl for this village
vi. Describe the characters of the following?
a. Persona. She is ambitious and courageous. She New words and their meanings
works hard to achieve her goals just like a boy i. Penetrate –burrow/gouge out/pierce
child. ii. Destination –station/haven/goal/resting place
b. Parents. They are ignorant, foolish and old- iii. Engulfs –burry/immerse/consume
fashioned. They withdraw the girl child from iv. Enthusiasm –passion/excitement/interest

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v. Peak –summit/apex/top/climax But I am just an entrepreneur

vi. Par –average/mean/standard
From single coin to multiple coins
Indeed, I multiply like a machine
Poem Analysis
It’s a brain at work
This poem is about educational inequality, poverty and
The money you let sink and be washed away
courage. The girl is concerned about the educational
I collect and let it multiply
inequality in her society and becomes courageous enough
Call me a modern and advanced magician
to reduce the gap between educated males and females.
She not even ashamed of going to school without wearing
Jobless youths breathe a sigh of relief
shoes due to poverty. Some of the causes why most girls
Yes, they work in my yard
do not go to school in her area is early marriages.
They feed their toddlers while I burry coins in my pocket
Questions Onlookers get confused
Whether I am a magician or entrepreneur
i. Who is the persona in this poem?
I opt for the later
- A girl child.
ii. Describe how the following themes have been
portrayed in this poem? New words and their meanings
a. Education inequality. The girl is courageous i. Magician –charmer/enchanter
enough and willing to reduce the gap between ii. Toddlers –children/adolescents/young ones
educated girls and boys in her society. iii. Opt –choose/decide/resolve
b. Poverty. The girl goes to school without wearing
Poem Analysis
shoes.
c. Courage. The girl is courageous because she does The poem is about a boastful business man who started his
not give up but continues going to school despite business with little capital and he is now very rich. People
her poverty. call him a magician due to lots of money he earns but he
reveals that it’s all about the “Brain at work” i.e. thinking
21. Money Multiplier and planning well for his business to prosper.
I am a money maker
Questions
I turn coins into banknotes
Yes, I turn one kwacha into a million i. Who is the persona in this poem?
And they call me a magician - The entrepreneur

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ii. One of themes in this poem is, “Hard work.” It’s a coldhearted beast
Describe how this theme has been portrayed in And it’s called AIDS
this poem?
- The entrepreneur started his business little New words and their meanings
capital and now he is a millionaire. i. Callous –heartless/careless/coldblooded
iii. Identify the hyperbole in this poem? ii. Snatches –grab/seize/hold/take hold of
- “Yes, I turn one kwacha into a million.” iii. Oozes –bleeding/draining/leaking/seeping
iv. What is the tone of this poem? iv. Coldhearted –heartless/hardhearted/uncaring
- It is a happy tone because the jobless fine jobs
Poem Analysis
as provided by this business man.
The poem tells about the deadly AIDS which kills many
people who leave their children behind as orphans. This
22. The Beast
disease is likened to a deadly animal (the beast) which
The callous beast is here in the village
mercilessly kills people of all ages. The people unite to fight
It’s invisible like air
against it.
But hush like strong wind
It claims our lives Questions
No wonder orphans all over the village
i. Identify two similes from this poem?
- It’s invisible like air.
This is a cruel beast
- But hush like strong wind.
It takes loving mother
ii. Describe the character of each of the following;
Before baby is breast fed
a. The beast
It snatches us the breadwinner
- The beast is unfriendly. It kills people in the
So that we eat stones
village leaving children as orphans.
- It is also a bloody and coldhearted beast
This is unfriendly beast
because it eats the infants, the youths and
It kills regardless of age
adults.
It eats infants, youths and adults
b. The people.
It must be rich in human blood
- They are determined and courageous. They
But human race never gives up on it
vow to stand and fight against it.
We will stand and fight
Until it oozes blood

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iii. How have the following theme been portrayed in As life gets angry at me for wrong targets
this poem? But the road to recovery is that I see in your eyes
a. Death. The beast kills people of all ages. And never shall I give away to weakness
b. Determination. The people stand and fight Though only armed with abandoned love
against the beast. I will fight this long and unsuccessful battle
iv. Identify and justify the tone of this poem? To make it there with grievous wounds torturing my soul
- It is a sad tone because the beast kills people
of all ages. Before the longing escalates to suicide
- So that at the very last
I may be called “A Soldier of the great war”
F. POEMS BY AUBREY CHINGUWO And be remembered forever and ever more
For a man who won’t die for something
23. A Soldier Of The Great War
Is not fit to live
Inness
I have listened to your continual rhythms
I therefore ask you Inness
A drumbeat of striking refusals
To once more listen to my ‘sweet nothing’
That with time grows gradually louder
Ready to get off my bruised chest
Pushing through the velvety wall of my lonely heart
So that you can fully understand then
A heart, whose future is being healed,
How deeply I have fallen for you
Has failed to be properly healed,
By your lips so soft and inviting
New words and their meanings
By your pleasant smiles I desire
i. Recovery –improvement/healing/restoration
ii. Abandoned –deserted/disused/forsaken/rejected
I have tried a lot of life but succeeded in none
iii. Bruised –wounded/hurt/injured/battered

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Poem Analysis
The poem tells us about the man who loves a woman named The sky descends
Inness. Inness refuses but the man insists to win her heart and if A churning black cloud of new life
he fails, he plans to kill himself (commit suicide) and be labeled, A life so surreal yet welcomes
“A Soldier of Great War.” War in this case is his struggle to With drugging and slothful movements
convince Inness to be his lover.
Senses strengthen
Questions
Hopes of only the radiant sky
i. Who is the persona and the addressee in this poem? To hum melancholy tunes
- A man in love and Inness. On a silent hump of eternity
ii. How has the theme, “Love” been portrayed in this
poem? Unanswered questions add stanzas
- The man loves Inness so much. Of empty promises
iii. Describe the character of each of the following; Of unresolved life equations
a. Inness. She is decisive. She has made her mind to refuse Of loaded guns ready to kill
the proposal from the man and does not change her Of compromising over right and wrong
mind. Over legality and illegality
b. The man. He is courageous and determined. Though To a prayer that seek truths
Inness refuses him, he does not give up but keeps on In crazes of secrecies
trying to take her as his wife. Yet the future is not properly defined
Its life through a shredder
24. Life Through The Shedder
Cries echo New words and their meanings
Through walls of hooliganism i. Hooliganism – destruction
And fade gradually ii. Fade – diminish/weaken
In some unnamed place iii. Gradually – slowly
Minds trace iv. Vast – huge/enormous/great
The vast bowl of burnished gold v. Slothful – lazy
Lost beyond fatal flaws vi. Hum – sing
Consigned into a far hinterland vii. Melancholy – sad/miserable

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viii. Compromising – conciliation To blur their reason

ix. Legality – validity
For when you wrung my hand
Poem Analysis
When you blew honey into my ears
This poem is too hard to be understood because it is full of
When your heart was a garden of roses
imageries which have the ability to hide the real meaning of the
When your touch healed my sorrows
poem. As for the “shredder,” it is a machine which is used to cut
When your smile weakened my judgment
things and in this case, it symbolizes life is full of difficulties e.g.
This chapter of life was unforeseen
wars, hunger, poverty, drought and quarrels among others.

Questions So go ahead
Run into the wild
i. How has the theme, “Desperation” been portrayed in After nine months
this poem? This seed you have sown
- People are desperate because they do not know This shadow of yours
what the future will bring for them. This reflection in the mirror
ii. Identify and justify the tone of this poem? Will be waiting for a reunion
- It has a sad ton because people are facing difficulties
in their lives. New words and their meanings
i. Trumpet –broadcast/proclaim/announce
G. POEMS BY TUNTUFYE SIMWAMBA ii. Reunion –get together/reconsolidation/meeting
25. Go Ahead My Love
Poem Analysis
Crab a tool of your choice
In this poem, the story is about the girl who is impregnated and
Axe your shadow away
her boyfriend dumps her. The girl does not bother but let the
Tone down
boy go ahead with his moves having her hope entirely fixed at
Pick the right words
the future where, one day, the two will be reunited, probably
Coin phrases skillfully
after the child is born. The girl is a bit ironic with her words as
Convince them to doubt
she means the opposite of what she says.
The existence of the sun
Reject your reflection in the mirror
Blow a trumpet in their ears

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Questions For powerful lions raping defenseless Kangaroos

Ours is this outcry
i. Who is the persona and the addressee in this poem?
Of shooting in the back a helpless man
- The girlfriend and the boyfriend.
Ours is this tear
ii. Give and describe any two themes portrayed in this
Ours is the billowing smoke of change
poem?
a. Irresponsibility. The man says no to have impregnated
So is it you too
the girl he has been in love with, thereby running away
So it has happened to you too
from his responsibility.
So you have puffed too hard
b. Betrayal. The boy told the girl he has been in love with
From the cigarette of power
some good things. Later, he rejects her pregnancy.
You are paranoid
iii. Identify the following in the poem?
- Metaphor – Reject your reflection in the mirror.
New words and their meanings
- Metaphor – This seed you have sown.
i. Frustration – disappointment/irritation/obstruction
iv. What is the tone of this poem and justify your answer?
ii. Paranoid – suspicious/obsessed/unreasonable
- It a sad tone because the woman is rejected and
feels bitter after being impregnated. Poem Analysis
v. Describe the character of each of the following; This poem tells about the leader who is elected by the people.
- The woman. She is foolish because she sleeps with Because of his position and power, he does not mind the people
the man without formal arrangement as per custom who chose him and he oppresses them. In general, the leader
or tradition. has betrayed his electorate who have now become frustrated.
- The man. The man is irresponsible because he runs
Questions
away from his responsibility of taking care of the
woman he impregnated. i. Who is the persona and the addressee in this poem?
- The voter and the leader.
26. Ours ii. How has the theme, “Betrayal” been portrayed in this
Ours is an abused hymn poem?
Whose message languishes? - The leader is not helping the area and the people
Beneath the feet of the powerful who voted for him.
Ours is a cry of frustration iii. Which poetic devices are each of the following?

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a. For powerful lions raping defenseless Kangaroos. – Poem Analysis

Imagery. This poem is about the man who abuses his wife from time to
b. From the cigarette of power. –Metaphor. time. The woman, because of the culture in which she is,
iv. Give and justify the tone of this poem? remains quite and her freedom of expression is violated. When
- It is a sad tone because the voters are abused by the the bride price or the dowry is given to the woman’s parents, the
leader. woman is told to persist in silence as the vows are so sacred and
binding to lock up her lips. It is very much clear that in this poem,
H. POEMS BY GRACE SHARRA cruelty and gender based violence exist.
27. The Sacred Vows
Questions
His offensive fists
i. Who is the persona in this poem?
Rain competitively
- The woman.
Spitting his ruthlessness
ii. How has the theme, “Gender based violence” been
Vomiting his cruelty
portrayed in this poem?
As he savagely hits
- The husband beats the wife now and again.
Killing me each day
iii. Identify the hyperbole in this poem?
- Killing me each day.
Yet the vows
iv. What is the mood of this poem and justify it?
So sacred and binding
- The mood is sad because the husband beats the wife
Lock up my lips
frequently.
Makes immune
To the constant abuses
To his chilling hate

New words and their meanings *** GOOD LUCK ***

i. Offensive –aggressive/violent/attacking/invasive
ii. Ruthlessness –brutality/mercilessness/cruelty
iii. vows –promises/oaths/declarations/pledges

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