storm on the island

Cards (4)

  • 'island' is homophone for Ireland. the poem is an extended metaphor for the political storm that raged across northern ireland in late 1960s.
  • 'we are prepared' shows how they are part of a community and this is a universal experience. also creates a sense of foreshadowing as this simple statement sets the tone for the rest of the poem.
  • 'we build our houses squat' shows the houses are sturdy and secure, but also shows how this suffering has been going on for a long time, they have planned for this.
  • written in iambic pentameter