A poem which has genuinely shocked me is `Assisi' by Norman MacCaig. It deals with a beggar in desperate need of help but does not receive any. MacCaig gets his point across through his different ideas and devices.

The opening verse states what is physically wrong with the beggar. `sat, slumped like a half filled sack' This simile is used to create the image that he is deformed and floppy. The poet's use of 'on tiny twisted legs' gives the impression that the beggar is childlike and very innocent but also in pain.

Later in this verse we hear that the `dwarf' is outside the church which was built, to honour St Frances, who helped the poor. This is ironic as the beggar, who looks strange and unfamiliar is sitting outside a truly amazing and extremely beautiful building. The technique Norman MacCaig uses in this verse is juxta...