Question

Read the following poem and write an appreciation for it with the help of the points given below:

A Teenager’s Prayer Each day brings new beginnings, Decisions I must make. I am the only one to choose The road that I will take. I can choose to take the road of life, That leads to great success Or travel down the darkened road, That leads to great distress. Please open up my eyes, dear Lord, That I might clearly see Help me stand for what is right, Bring out the best in me. Help, Lord, to just say “no” When temptation comes my way, That I might keep my body clean And fit for life each day. When my teenage years are over, I know that I will see That life is lived its very best With you walking next to me. - J. Morse

• Title   (½)
• Name of the poet   (½)
• Rhyme scheme  (1)
• Figure of speech  (any one)  (1)
• Theme/Central idea (in 2 to 3 lines)  (2)

Answer 1

• Title: A Teenager’s Prayer
• Name of the poet: J. Morse
• Rhyme scheme: ‘abcb’
• Figure of speech: Metaphor
  Life is compared to a road with different paths, such as ‘the road of life’ and ‘the darkened road’.
• Theme/Central idea: The poem expresses the feelings and prayers of a teenager who stands at an important stage of life and must make the right choices. The poet prays to God for guidance, strength and wisdom to resist temptation and live a clean, successful and meaningful life with God’s support.