Background of the poem-subject-matter/summary - SS2 Literature Lesson Note

Background of the poem-subject-matter/summary

"The Dining Table" is a short narrative poem that recounts the experiences of the poet during the Sierra Leone Civil War. The poem begins with the image of a dinner table, but the meal is anything but ordinary. The food is compared to gun wounds, and the guests are forced to eat in silence.

The poem goes on to describe the horrors of the war, including the violence, the suffering, and the death. The poet also speaks about the impact of the war on children, who are left traumatized and scarred by their experiences.

Despite the darkness of the poem, there is also a message of hope. The poet vows to continue fighting for his country, even though it is broken and battered. He also calls on his fellow citizens to join him in rebuilding their nation.