Jackie Kay

‘Gap Year’ portrays the close bond of a mother and son. It describes Kay’s son’s adventures when he leaves her to travel and find independence. At home, she awaits his return.

'Grandpa's Soup' shows a child and their joy in their grandpa's delicious soup. This is tinged with sadness when they realise that Grandpa, and his soup, will not always be there.

'Darling' is a poem written about losing a loved one, and the feelings of grief and remembrance that come with that sad event.

'Maw Broon Visits A Therapist' is a poem featuring Maw Broon, the comic character, who finally drops the stoic, matriarchal role she's known for and talks about her real feelings.

‘Keeping Orchids’ describes the first meeting between Kay and her birth mother. Kay uses the orchids to symbolise the challenges this uneasy encounter brings.

This dramatic monologue is about a mother and daughter fleeing their home. Kay does not give specific details, but we might infer that the woman is an immigrant facing deportation.

Revise the Jackie Kay poems in the National 5 English set texts with a series of interactive quizzes.

Check your understanding of different techniques used in the Jackie Kay set texts with interactive flashcards in preparation for your Nat 5 English exam.

Six podcast episodes discussing the Jackie Kay poems on the National 5 set text list, with recorded readings and links for more helpful revision resources