The Cockroach by Kevin Halligan, Analysis, Summary & Themes

Discover the complexities of the human condition in "The Cockroach" by Kevin Halligan. This introspective poem examines restlessness and self-reflection in the face of uncertainty. The Poem I watched a giant cockroach start to pace, Skirting a ball of dust that rode the floor. At first he seemed quite satisfied to trace A path between the wainscot and the door, But soon he turned to jog in crooked rings, Circling the rusty table leg and back, And flipping right over to scratch his wings – As if the victim of a mild attack Of restlessness that worsened over time. After a while, he climbed an open shelf And stopped. He looked uncertain where to go. Was this due payment for some vicious crime A former life had led to? I don’t know, Except I thought I recognised myself. Summary • One person is observing the movements made by a cockroach • There are no interactions between the person and cockroach • Setting: indoors (inferred from objects described in poem) Split into thr…