Copy of Unit 3.1 - Bag of Bones Text.docx - Bag of Bones By...

Bag of Bones
By Dunya Mikhail
2005
Background Dunya Mikhail (b. 1965) is an Iraqi American poet who was born and raised in Iraq. As a
journalist and poet in Baghdad, her writing was considered “subversive” by former dictator
Saddam Hussein. Mikhail was placed on Hussein’s enemies list and fled to the United States
in 1996 following threats and harassment from the government. After the U.S. invaded Iraq in
2003, many mass graves were found, believed to be from Hussein’s 20 years in power. As
you read, take notes on the poem's use of imagery and repetition.
Directions ● Highlight
○ Blue - Tone words
○ Green - Structural elements that create mystery, tension, or surprise
○ Pink - Portions of the text that convey cultural experience
● Complete the TPCASTT on paper
Chunk 1 1 What good luck!
She has found his bones.
The skull is also in the bag
the bag in her hand
5 like all other bags
in all other trembling hands.
His bones, like thousands of bones
in the mass graveyard,
his skull, not like any other skull.