Tony Connor - 'A Child Half Asleep'

The transcript describes the creation of a poem inspired by a child's words and a Hindu legend. The poem, 'A Child Half Asleep', explores states of being and dreams. The speaker shares the challenges of writing the poem, influenced by a line from their son and the concept of the world as a dream in Vishnu's mind. The poem is recited, and its meaning is discussed, including language differences between English and American terms.

What was the main challenge the narrator faced while writing the poem?

• Finding a suitable title

• Deciding the last line first

• Choosing the right words

• Understanding the theme

What theme did the narrator decide on for the poem?

• Childhood memories

• States of being

• Nature and wildlife

• Dreams and reality

In the poem, how is the child described when he joins the narrator?

• Excited and talkative

• Half asleep and flat-footed

• Sleepwalking and confused

• Wide awake and energetic

What does the child mean by saying 'A Wolf dreamed me'?

• A wolf was dreaming about him

• He was dreaming about wolves

• He saw a wolf in his dream

• He wanted to become a wolf

What is the American equivalent of the word 'dummy' as used by the narrator?

• Toy

• Pacifier

• Stuffed animal

• Blanket