By Elimu Assistant Team 
Read the poem given below and answer the questions that follow.
THAT OTHER LIFE
(By Everett M Standa)
I have only faint memories
Memories of those days when all our joyful moment
In happiness, sorrow and dreams
Were so synchronized
That we were in spirit and flesh
One soul;
I have only faint memories
When we saw each other’s image everywhere;
The friends, the relatives,
The gift of flowers, clothes and treats,
The evening walks where we praised each other,
Like little children in love;
I remember the dreams about children
The friendly neighbors and relatives
The money, the farms and cows
All were the pleasures ahead in mind
Wishing for the day of final union
When the dreams will come true
On that day final union
We promised each other pleasures and care
And everything good under the sun
As a daily reminder that you and me were one forever.
QUESTIONS
a) What does the day of the final union mean to the persona? (3 marks)
b) What faint memories does the persona have, according to the poem? (3marks)
c) What is the persona’s attitude towards their marriage? (2marks)
d) Explain the following expressions as used in the poem
(i) Happiness, sorrow, and dreams were so synchronized………… (2marks)
(ii) ……. praised each other like children in love (2 marks)
(iii) All were pleasures ahead in mind. (2marks)
e) Identify two aspects of the style used in this poem and explain their effectiveness. (4 marks)
f) What is the mood of the poem (2 marks)
THAT OTHER LIFE ANSWERS
a) The day of “final union” reminds of joy / peace / pleasure and care they promised each other.
(Any three = 1 mk each)
b) The persona has faint memories of joyful moments / when they felt like one / when they saw each other’s image everywhere / and loved each other like little children.
c) The persona is regretful (1 mk) he feels that they’ve not lived unto the promises they made to each other. (1 mk)
d) i) The persona and partner felt happy in spite of happiness or sorrow ( 1 mk ) for both had one hope in life , to be happy and united in purpose. (1 mk)
ii) They were innocent about their feelings towards making each other feel loved / flattered. (2 mks)
iii) The persona hoped for a life of prosperity. (1mk) loaning money / farms / cows. (3 mks)
e) Repetition – ‘I have only faint memories’
The repetition emphasizes the persona’s feelings of regret.
Simile – ‘We praised…like little children in love’ – brings out the sense of deep love they had for each (1mk)
f) The mood of the poem is nostalgic (1 mk) and regretful (1 mk)
