Discuss the statement above with reference to two poems you have studied on the theme "Relationship."
There are several important issues that teenagers need to consider seriously when being involved in a relationship. Issues such as having honest open communication and dialogue, understanding one another, not being judgemental, knowing and loving each other are important elements in any successful relationship. These issues are highlighted in the poem that I will write on. These two poems are "Quiet Pain" and "Silly Woman" both written by the famous, Pacific Poet Konai Helu Thaman.
In 'Quiet Pain' a poem about love relationships, the main issue Thaman discussed is communication. She emphasized the need for an honest and open communication between couple / lovers. In the poem 'Quiet pain' there is obviously a lack of communication. The personae wants to dialogue but is being completely shut out by the other partner who wants privacy. In the lines.... "I walk blindly into your silence with you / sitting there like coral rock / your familiar face / is strange." the other partner is unapproachable and withdrawn. For a relationship to survive, there is a need for partners to talk about their problems and feeling openly and sort things out. As a young person, we should try and consider the other persons needs, to be more open with feelings of expressions when involved in relationships because when there is communication breakdown, problems will surface.
Another issue Thaman points out is understanding. In a relationship it is imperative for couples to understand each others feelings and emotions. A relationship is not all rosy. Couples may encounter problems, which is part and parcel of life and need to work on it. 'we retreat into ourselves'... in this line, the couple feels withdrawn. The partner does not understand the reason for the person's intrusion. This