Another short poem for analysis and appreciation.
For advanced teens and adults.

Plastic's nay Romantic

Give out flowers fellas.
No thanks cast iron umbrellas.
Let not the pragmatists control.
There is a place for that which is ephemeral.

2005 (this version)

1. This 4-line poem sounds best if read with a Scottish accent.

2. Ask students to look up the difficult words and link the rhymed words.

3. Let them try and decipher the meanings line by line, in groups or individually.

4. Some students can handle this challenge. The second line may give the most trouble. An umbrella, like a flower can be a joy to possess but like plastic flowers an umbrella made of iron is impractical, a useless object without the original purpose and feeling. Plastic flowers, like plastic emotions are for plastic people.

5. Fresh flowers like many other wonderful things, wine, coffee, perfume, good food, good company and love, do not remain long and must be appreciated while they last.

6. If you can find the song Paper Roses by Hank Snow play it for the kids. Many artists have recorded it. You will find the lyrics on-line. This sweet song, a classic, has the same theme comparing an immitation love to paper flowers.

Copyright Robin Day 2006