Reading Prompts

The following contemporary poems, published recently in Canadian Literature, reflect upon events, topics, and issues related to this chapter.

If one of the poems appeals to you, and you would like to read it more closely or write a paper about it, here are some suggestions:

  • Have a look at the Close Reading Poetry chapter.
  • Return to the poem and work through it line by line in the ways modelled by the sample readings.
  • Ask yourself why the poem was selected for this unit—the answer will help you focus your close reading.

The Cida Poet Writes of Guyana by Cyril Dabydeen

CIDA stands for Canadian International Development Agency. What are we to think of this Cida Poet?

The Walls are Too High by Deborah Schnitzer

Consider how the story of Joseph, son of Jacob, in Genesis animates this poem about a modern ghetto.

Works Cited

  • Dabydeen, Cyril. The Cida Poet Writes of Guyana. Canadian Literature 132 (1992): 124–25. Print.
  • Schnitzer, Deborah. The Walls Are Too High. Canadian Literature 158 (1998): 89. Print.