They Say
K. Reiter
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They say vegetables are good for you
They say hard work pays off
They say mind your own business
They say cover your cough.
They say never forget your roots
They say don’t believe everything you hear
They say be yourself
They say read Shakespeare.
They say admit when you’re wrong
They say take time to relax
They say don’t overthink it
They say step over cracks.
Who is they?
Why do they care?
They are a boss
Who’s not really aware.
I say be who you are
I say try new things
I say do what you want
I say spread your wings.
I say vegetables are gross
I say Shakespeare is boring
I say read what you want
I say never stop exploring.
I say make the choice
I say go for the gold
I say love with your heart
I say tell the untold.
Question
Which theme is explored in the poem?
Responses
A Listen to what other people tell you to do.Listen to what other people tell you to do.
B Being a boss is a wise choice. Being a boss is a wise choice.
C Admit when you're wrong. Admit when you're wrong.
D You can make your own decisions.
D You can make your own decisions.
D You can make your own decisions.
To determine the theme explored in the poem, we can analyze the repeated phrases and messages conveyed throughout the text. The poem presents different perspectives on the advice given by "they" and contrasts it with the speaker's own beliefs and opinions. By doing this, the poem suggests the theme of individuality and the importance of making your own decisions.
The speaker challenges the conventional wisdom presented by "they" and encourages readers to be true to themselves, try new things, and form their own opinions. The lines "I say be who you are" and "I say do what you want" emphasize the theme of personal freedom and the ability to shape one's own path.
Therefore, the correct response is D) You can make your own decisions.