One thing that I absolutely enjoy about this external paper is that the students are exposed to different types of text (prose, poetry and non-fiction readings). We are able to read through them and explore the different types of language techniques, author's purpose, tone and messages that lay in the fabric of each text. The students enjoy this as it is a far cry from the structured boundaries of essay writing. I enjoy it because the fundamental skill in close reading a text, any text, is a core component in English literature. It is a skill that we should know well beyond the classroom.
A text that I have used and will continue to use is Joy Cowley's 'The Bridge'. A beautiful poem that describes the blessings of doing good for others, for being available to others in support and care. The message of this poem is one that all people can relate to or understand. I like to share different texts with my students, texts that are somewhat unfamiliar to them but also relevant and current in content and theme.
There are times in life
when we are called to be bridges
not a great monument spanning a distance
and carrying great loads of traffic,
but a simple bridge to help one person from here to there
The first thing that springs to mind when I read through verse one is the use of 'imagery' and 'contrast'. Both language techniques are commonly used in poetry, to highlight differences and to also help reader visualize and interpret the author's message. The use 'imagery' used in line 3 and 4 "not a great monument spanning a distance and carrying great loads of traffic" alluding to the idea of what type of 'bridge' we can be for others. The personification given to the bridge in 'carrying great loads' and the imagery in describing the 'spanning a distance' - give me as a reader the impression that Joy Cowley is not encouraging me to be something that I am not when it comes to supporting or doing good for others. She is not telling me to save the world and solve everyone's problems. The use of contrast in comparing the bridge from 'a great monument' to 'a simple bridge to help one person from here to there' simply and beautifully describes the message of the poem. To be there for others. The contrast continues with 'carrying great loads of traffic but a simple bridge to help one person'. Both techniques help to execute the idea that being a bridge is a metaphor for being present for others (family, friends - anyone and everyone). This is not about carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders but it is about presence.
over some difficulty
such as pain, fear, grief, loneliness,
a bridge which opens the way
for on-going journey
The use of listing again is a commonly used language technique in creative writing particularly poetry. Listing is often used to offer the reader different ideas in the hope that they will connect with one or the other. It is also used to emphasize a point. The use of listing in line 7 'such as pain, fear, grief, loneliness' highlights the suffering the people experience. This is an effective use of listing as it reinforces that experiences such as fear and loneliness are experiences that belong to all, not just a specific group or type of person.
When I become a bridge of another,
I bring upon myself a blessing,
for I escape from the small prison of self
and exist for a wider world,
breaking out to be a larger being
who can enter another's pain
and rejoice in another's triumph
The use of pronouns and the continuation of contrast supports the concept of 'bridge' that Cowley is illustrating in her poem. Pronouns such as 'I' add a layer of intimacy and personality to any writing. The use of pronoun in line 10 and 11 'When I become a bridge of another, I bring upon myself a blessing' allows the audience to connect with Cowley. We see how this act of service to others has impacted her, how it has influenced her. It then encourages us to reflect on how this can influence us, how does her perspective influence how we are there for other people. The use of continual contrast through line 15 and 16 'who can enter another's pain and rejoice in another's triumph' show the different states of being - pain and triumph. That through walking with others and helping others, in their pain we can also experience joy and triumph.
I know of only one greater blessing
in this life, and that is,
to allow someone else
to be a bridge for me
A key element in answering a question for unfamiliar text is to connect the text and question to your own experience. For me this last verse reminds me of my late grandmother, Viola Taulealeausumai. The last verse says "I know of only one greater blessing in this life, and that is, to allow someone else to be a bridge for me". My grandmother's role in my life was influential. She passed away on November 13 and since then, I have reflected on how much she has made an impact on my life. The concept of the 'bridge' is a metaphor, in that we can be a support system that helps people to get through life. This can be through conversation, pastoral care - the list is endless. My grandmother was my 'bridge' - her support and high expectation of me helped me to bridge through the different stages and challenges that I have experienced in my life. I would seek her approval for almost everything, in a way, her approval acted like a bridge. If I got her approval for anything I put my name to, I felt like I had achieved something and that gave me motivation to move forward.
A beautiful text with a beautiful message. These are the type of texts that I want to continue to use with my students.
I dedicate this post in the memory of my late grandmother, Viola Taulealeausumai.
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