Course:Bless The Daughter Raised by A voice in her Head by Warsan Shire

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CRWR 501P 003
Advanced Writing of Poetry
  • Instructor:Dr. Bronwen Tate
  • Email: Bronwen.tate@ubc.ca
  • Office: Buchanan E #456
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Bless The Daughter Raised by a Voice in Her Head

Warsan Shire's 'Bless the Daughter Raised by a Voice in her Head' pulsates with a myriad of emotions—loss, compassion, and sharp edges intricately woven together. Brilliantly crafted and fiercely vital, the poems within this collection serve as both a mirror and a window, reflecting the complexities of the human experience while inviting readers to peer into the raw, unfiltered essence of life. Shire's words are not mere ink on paper; they are living, breathing entities that carry the weight of profound storytelling.

Loss, a recurring motif, becomes a silent protagonist in Shire's verses. It is a palpable presence, threading its way through the lines, touching the reader with its universal ache. Shire's treatment of loss is multifaceted, capturing the variety of forms it takes and the ripples it sends through the lives it touches. It is a symphony of grief and resilience.

In 'Home,' Shire expresses the profound impact of displacement with poignant lines: 'No one leaves home unless home is the mouth of a shark.' These words encapsulate the visceral reality of leaving one's homeland, infusing the theme of loss with a stark and haunting resonance.

Compassion, another cornerstone of Shire's collection, is a gentle yet potent force. Her words become a balm for wounds unseen, a reminder of the shared vulnerabilities that unite us. Shire's compassion extends beyond the pages, reaching out to embrace the reader in a shared moment of understanding. Through her verses, she becomes a guide, navigating the labyrinth of human emotions with empathy and grace.

The edges of Shire's poetry are as sharp as they are poignant. There is a fearless quality to her writing, a willingness to explore the uncomfortable truths that dwell in the shadows. The sharp edges cut through illusions, laying bare the intricacies of love, pain, and identity. Shire's language is unapologetic, refusing to be confined by societal norms or expectations.

In its entirety, Warsan Shire's debut collection is a literary triumph, an exploration of the human condition in all its hues. It is a testament to the power of language to evoke, provoke, and ultimately connect. Each poem is a brushstroke on the canvas of life, contributing to a masterpiece that is both intimate and universal.

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Bless the Daughter Raised by a Voice in Her Head by Warsan Shire