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Evaluation of "Youth Speaks" by Amador Daguio

Amador Daguio's "Youth Speaks" is a powerful poem that expresses the voice of the youth and their desire to contribute to their country's growth. The poem has several strengths that make it impressive. Firstly, the use of imagery in the lines "Before we can lay strong foundations, we must drain protozoan marshes. Burn old sores, cancerous flesh" effectively conveys the idea that the youth must work hard to clear the obstacles in the way of progress. Secondly, the poem's use of rhetorical questions such as "Fathers, elders, why disinherit us?" adds to its emotional appeal and makes it more thought-provoking. Thirdly, the poem's straightforward language and easy-to-understand metaphors make it accessible to readers of all ages and backgrounds.

However, one weakness of the poem is that it lacks a clear structure. The poem jumps from one idea to another without any clear transitions, making it difficult to follow at times. Additionally, the poem's tone can come across as accusatory, which may put off some readers who do not relate to the youth's grievances.

To improve the poem, the writer could consider adding more structure to the poem by dividing it into stanzas or sections that focus on different aspects of the youth's message. This would make it easier for readers to follow and understand the poem's message. Additionally, the writer could consider toning down the accusatory tone of the poem and focusing more on the positive actions that the youth can take to contribute to their country's growth. Finally, the writer could experiment with different poetic devices such as rhyme and meter to add more musicality to the poem and make it more memorable to readers.