Tapestry of Faith: Exploring Our Values Through Poetry: A Program for High School Youth

Activity 2: Death Of A Loved One

Activity time: 10 minutes

Materials for Activity

Preparation for Activity

  • Photocopy Handout 2, "Animal Liberation," one for each participant.

Description of Activity

Distribute Handout 2, "Animal Liberation." Ask two or more volunteers to read it aloud, pausing for thirty seconds between readings and after the last reading. Then use these questions to lead a "What do we have here?" discussion:
  • What is the story of the poem?
  • Who do you think Danielle might be?
  • What effect does the great amount of detail in the poem have on your senses?
  • Do any of the poet's tools we discussed in the first workshop stand out in "Animal Liberation"?

Lead a "What's the big idea?" discussion, using these questions:

  • How is the theme of freedom played out in this poem?
  • Is the theme of death present in the poem? Is this death a spiritual death, a physical death, or both? Explain.
  • How does this poem make you feel, and why?

Invite participants to spend a few minutes journaling about this poem. The journal entry could include their thoughts about the discussion with the group, or it could be about a time in their lives when they faced the death of a loved one.

NOTE: Sukhavati is "The Place of Great Bliss," according to a branch of Buddhism. It is not the equivalent of "paradise," but the attainment of enlightenment.