Without discussion, ask students to write a few sentences or phrases about their first impressions of the poem. Discussion Clarify unfamiliar words. The poet has drawn on all five senses. Discuss particular parts of the poem that refer to each of the senses. Share student work in the class.
Students write a prose account of their impressions of India after reading the poem.
Acknowledgements Same difference is part of the Access Asia series, funded by the Commonwealth Department of Education, Training and Youth Affairs through the Asia Education Foundation. In a dream I flew across the blue ink heavens, Through the air Passing Broome red underneath as Garuda crossing the Indian Ocean To India. Crimson-saried women flying in the air Scooter taxis with alto horns Rushing through crowds and sacred cows. And in the dark of the fiery furnace Men and women slept where they worked Making black iron for bread. In the temple The four-clap beat and the hum of the drum Dusty men sleeping on stone And balancing women with baskets of rubble.