Welcome 2012

hey, it's about to new year already.
Happy New Year 2012 to all.
have a blissful, prosperous, full with happiness through out the year.

So, what are your new year resolutions? Mind to share?

Practice 2: In the midst of Hardship

Based on the Poem 'In the Midst of Hardship by Latiff Mohidin', answer these following questions.

1. What are the themes of this poem?
2. Describe the settings of this poem?
3. What does the word 'albino buffalo' mean?
4. What are the moral values that have you learnt from this poem?
5. Do you think hardship has affected the happiness of this couple?

Elements of the Poem: In the Midst of Hardship

Hai there, you have read the poem right? Now, let's take a look at the elements inside the poem. So by checking out the elements, it will help you to understand better about the poem. Enjoy!!!

2011 is about to close its curtain

• So, what do you have achieved in 2011? 
• What are the memories that you'll not forget through out the year?
• Do some reflections, think about it and decide what do you want to improve or achieve in the next coming new year. 

Practice 1: In the Midst of Hardship

Hello students, you have read the poem 'In the Midst of Hardship by Latiff Mohidin'  and the synopsis of the poem. Let's check on your basic understanding by doing this exercise. Click on the picture below to download the exercise. Thank you

Synopsis: In the Midst of Hardship

Synopsis

• The poem 'In the Midst of Hardship' is about the hardship a farmer and his family faces during and after a bad flood.
• They are born into a life of hardship and have never complained but have accepted their hardship.
• However, they are happy and patiently live each day as it comes.
• They struggle in the harsh environment and even loose their possession but they go on with life with no complaints and they do not show any despair.
• If they have to look for the lost buffalo, they spend the whole day and night braving the flood, bloated dead animals and small floating barks.
• Even if they had not found the buffalo, they are still patient and calm.
• After a hard day's work,instead of moaning and groaning about their ill fate, they spend time together in the kitchen, joking and talking while rolling cigarette leaves.
• They do not complain or lose hope as they were used to a difficult life.

In the Midst of Hardship

In The Midst of Hardship

Latiff Mohidin

At dawn they returned home

their soaky clothes torn

and approached the stove

their limbs marked by scratches

their legs full of wounds

but  on their brows

there was not a sign of despair

The whole day and night just passed

They had to brave the horrendous flood

in the water all the time

Bloated Carcasses

between bloated carcasses 

and the tiny chips of tree barks

desperately looking for their son's

albino buffalo that was never found

They were born amidst hardship

and grew up without a sigh or a complaint

now they are in the kitchen, making

jokes while rolling their cigarette leaves

Translated by:

Salleh Ben Joned

p/s: You may click on the links to get to know more about the words.

Introduction to Poetry

Before we read any poems, let's take a look at some of the definitions of poem. Here I have given an example of the poem which is Sonnet 18 by William Shakespeare. Enjoy reading the poem.  

Definition of Poem

• A poem is a form of literature written in verses
• A poem is designed to convey emotions, experiences, facts in the most imaginative way.
• It is usually very personal, representing the feelings of the poet as they can relate to their surroundings and experiences.
• It is an arrangement of words in rhythmical  composition. Not all poems have to rhyme but usually the attraction is in rhyming poems.
• Some poet stress on literary elements such as metaphor, simile, and symbol while some stress on rhythm and rhymes as vital parts of the poem.
• Poem evoke emotions such as laughter, fear and anger in the readers.
• Poems are the best means to express one's thought and feelings.

Sonnet 18 by William Shakespeare