Contents
Cockroaches............................................................................................................................ 1
Title:..................................................................................................................................... 2
Tone:.................................................................................................................................... 2
Mood:................................................................................................................................... 2
Structure:............................................................................................................................. 2
Analysis................................................................................................................................... 4
Questions............................................................................................................................. 7
Answers............................................................................................................................ 8
,COCKROACHES
by Mauri Yambo
Turn on the light
and helter skelter
they scuttle
to their dark shelters.
Cut them off
from their hideouts
block
their many approaches
and see cockroaches
in hopeless flurry
and helpless worry.
But
who ordained
the crash-fall
of sandals
on these
shy creatures?
Or
is it their love
of darkness
holds them suspect?
1
, TITLE:
Sets a different tone than the rest of the poem, signaling a more straightforward and serious
exploration of the subject matter. It prepares the reader for a closer examination of
cockroaches and their behavior, possibly shedding light on their characteristics, symbolism,
or significance in the context of the poem's themes.
TONE:
- The tone of the poem is somewhat whimsical and contemplative.
- There is a hint of curiosity and wonder in the speaker's questioning of the cockroaches'
behavior.
- The poem may also contain an underlying sense of discomfort or unease regarding the
relationship between humans and these insects.
MOOD:
- The mood of the poem shifts between light-heartedness and seriousness.
- At times, the mood seems playful, especially with the misspelled word "cocokroaches" and
the rhyming words.
- On the other hand, the mood becomes more somber and reflective when addressing the
cockroaches' plight and the potential harm they face.
STRUCTURE:
- The poem is written in free verse, without a consistent rhyme scheme or metrical pattern.
- It consists of four stanzas, each with varying line lengths, contributing to the sense of
spontaneity and irregularity.
- The use of enjambment (continuing sentences from one line to the next) creates a sense of
fluidity and movement within the poem.
- The poem is divided into distinct sections, allowing the reader to follow the progression of
the narrative as it moves from turning on the light to questioning the fate of the
cockroaches.
The poem's playful title and tone, combined with its contemplative mood and free verse
structure, create an engaging and thought-provoking piece. The poem explores the
interaction between humans and cockroaches, touching on themes of disruption, survival,
and the complexities of the natural world.
2
Cockroaches............................................................................................................................ 1
Title:..................................................................................................................................... 2
Tone:.................................................................................................................................... 2
Mood:................................................................................................................................... 2
Structure:............................................................................................................................. 2
Analysis................................................................................................................................... 4
Questions............................................................................................................................. 7
Answers............................................................................................................................ 8
,COCKROACHES
by Mauri Yambo
Turn on the light
and helter skelter
they scuttle
to their dark shelters.
Cut them off
from their hideouts
block
their many approaches
and see cockroaches
in hopeless flurry
and helpless worry.
But
who ordained
the crash-fall
of sandals
on these
shy creatures?
Or
is it their love
of darkness
holds them suspect?
1
, TITLE:
Sets a different tone than the rest of the poem, signaling a more straightforward and serious
exploration of the subject matter. It prepares the reader for a closer examination of
cockroaches and their behavior, possibly shedding light on their characteristics, symbolism,
or significance in the context of the poem's themes.
TONE:
- The tone of the poem is somewhat whimsical and contemplative.
- There is a hint of curiosity and wonder in the speaker's questioning of the cockroaches'
behavior.
- The poem may also contain an underlying sense of discomfort or unease regarding the
relationship between humans and these insects.
MOOD:
- The mood of the poem shifts between light-heartedness and seriousness.
- At times, the mood seems playful, especially with the misspelled word "cocokroaches" and
the rhyming words.
- On the other hand, the mood becomes more somber and reflective when addressing the
cockroaches' plight and the potential harm they face.
STRUCTURE:
- The poem is written in free verse, without a consistent rhyme scheme or metrical pattern.
- It consists of four stanzas, each with varying line lengths, contributing to the sense of
spontaneity and irregularity.
- The use of enjambment (continuing sentences from one line to the next) creates a sense of
fluidity and movement within the poem.
- The poem is divided into distinct sections, allowing the reader to follow the progression of
the narrative as it moves from turning on the light to questioning the fate of the
cockroaches.
The poem's playful title and tone, combined with its contemplative mood and free verse
structure, create an engaging and thought-provoking piece. The poem explores the
interaction between humans and cockroaches, touching on themes of disruption, survival,
and the complexities of the natural world.
2
