‘THE BEARD’ Poem

THE BEARD

By Priscovia Rwakyaka  *TRK*    

In the pulpit he swayed and turned
Leant forward, backward     
To the right; to the left                                             
His solemn voice echoed
Lowly the congregation followed,                                         
“Do you love your neighbor?’                                         
Meekly they bow at his keen eye.                                        
 Now examining a grey head                                             
Heaving under her sobs                                            
His heart leapt assured-                                         
“Her sins weigh on her!”                                             
So with her he chats outside;                                         
‘Weep not child you are pardoned.”                                    
“But, sir, your beard conjured up                                         
The spirit of my dear goat!”

Questions

    (a)     Identify and describe two personas in the poem. Illustrate your answer. (4mks)
    (b)     Relate the title of the poem to what actually happens in this poem, giving specific examples. (4mks)
    (c)     Identify and illustrate any two styles & qualities in the poem. (4mks)
    (d)     The mood of the last four lines of the poem is embarrassing. How true is this? (3mk)
    (e)     Identify one pair of rhyming words (1 mks)
    (f)     Explain the meaning of the following lines:
        i)     “His heart leapt assured” (2mks)
        ii)     “Her sins weigh on he?’ (2mks)