Death is a Witch – KCSE English poetry questions and answers

​DEATH IS A WITCH
Solo:                 Ah, what shall I do, Abuluhya? 
                          It’s wrong
Chorus:           Today I will say 
                          Death is a witch, my people 
                          It snatched my child 
                          I will remain alone
Solo:                 Ah what shall I really do, Abuluhya its very wrong 
Chorus:           Today I will say 
                          Death is a witch, my people 
                          It snatched my child 
                          I will weed along
Solo:                Ah, what shall I really do, Abuluhya it’s wrong 
Chorus:          Today I will say 
                         Death is a witch, my people 
                         It snatched my child 
                         I will dance alone
Solo:               My child, my friend, I cry what shall I do? I cry 
                        What shall I do? I cry x2

QUESTIONS

• a) Classify the above oral poem giving reasons. (2 marks)  
• b) What is the singer’s attitude towards death?  (2 marks) 
• c) What two things are lost when this song is written down? Use suitable illustrations from the song to support your answer. (4 marks)
• d) Identify one character trait of death brought out in this poem. (2 marks) 
• e) With illustrations, identify the social-economic activities of the community from which this song is drawn. (4 marks)