Explore the ways in which Halligan uses words and images vividly in The Cockroach. The Cockroach 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. (Kevin Halligan)