Touch

Question 1

Style

Answer 1

• Free verse and erratic rhythm - represents a life that is continuously disrupted in prison
• Expresses the desire for comforting touch after facing violent “touch” (abuse) at the hands of prison guards and officials

Question 2

Prison Life

Answer 2

• Speaker is remarking that he wants to feel a caring physical touch to regain his humanity due to him being dehumanised by violence in the prison system that is meant to reform.
• He has been traumatised by his experiences and shys away from touch.

Question 3

Types of Touch

Answer 3

• The speaker has both been touched in violent manners that he resents and that his lack of nurturing touch has left him emotionally withdrawn.
• Fist touch - attacked in prison
• Searches - dehumanising and embarrassing. Traumatised him

Question 4

The Future

Answer 4

• The speaker hopes that he can move forward from his prison experiences by experiencing nurturing touch that will remind him of his humanity.
• The reader is made aware of the fact that the speaker yearns for touch