Family poems

Eden rock

relationships are loving and stable, although disrupted by physical separation

no such place as Eden- intertextual link to the Garden of Eden, suggesting Causley found his relationships with his parents perfect and divine.

natural and religious imagery reflects stable relationship

context: father and mother both died

structure: quatrains= stable and secure relationship

letters from yorkshire

the poem explores the idea that meaningful relationships can still be formed, despite distance and separation.

context- published in the year 2000, where tech had been introduced but they still communicate by letters= dedication. the poem could be about her father but some interpret it to be about some form of long distance relationship.

structure- enjambment= letters bring closeness to combat the separation

language- colour imagery, idea of souls alludes to the idea that the relationship will last

Walking Away- Cecil Day-Lewis

the poem explores what it means to be a loving parent and how it can be challenging due to separation and wishing for a child’s independence and dependence at the same time. the poem also explores acceptance.

structure- the enjambment reflects on the loss of control of the parent and how the sudden walking away and independence takes him by surprise. simple, monosyllabic words used in the rhyme scheme provides a melancholic tone

“like a satellite, wrenched from it’s orbit, go drifting away” aggressive verb reflects on the uncontrollable separation which affects the father. introduces a semantic field of space which thematically links to exploration. contrast from wrenched and orbit symbolises the father who is unable to let go and the son who is already embracing independence.

“leaves just turning” pathetic fallacy. the use of natural imagery suggests that Day-Lewis aims to celebrate the difficulties parents face and the independence of children. seasonal change is a metaphor for child growth and development.

“gnaws at my mind still” animalistic connotations reveal the painful nature of parenthood and letting go

“you walking away from me” the separation of the pronouns subtly embeds the theme of distance

context- the original poem was subtitled “for Sean” his first son

Before you were mine

the poem explores how life changes and adapts after parenthood.

context- Ann-Duffy explains that the poem is entirely autobiographical and she celebrates her mother’s passion and bubbly personality.

structure- separated pronouns, no set rhyme scheme reflects on the freedom of the mother and gives the poem a personal quality.

language- metaphor, rhetorical questions, repetition

Follower- Seamus Heany

the speaker recollects the father being an idol but the role reversal towards the end of the poem explores a sense of loss where the father becomes the follower and so the son never really followed his father’s path.

context- Heany grew up on a farm but failed to continue the farming tradition.

structure- stable rhythmic pattern reflects on the dad’s precision

Mother, any distance -Simon Armitage

the poem explores how the separation and distance between a loved one is daunting, overwhelming yet an adventure.

structure- irregular rhyme scheme reflects on uncertainty and the reliance on the parent

“the acres of the walls, the prairies of the floors” the space becomes daunting, symbolising the space that will be between them, the metaphor reflects on adventure but loneliness

“Anchor. Kite” metaphor and contrast

“your fingertips still pinch the last one-hundredth of an inch” hyperbole

“to fall or fly” oxymoron, however we are left on a positive verb, the speaker resolves to certainty.

climing my Grandfather - Andrew Waterhouse

the poem explores the struggle of remembering a loved one with joy and without grief present. coming to terms with loss is difficult but allows a sense of perspective and reward. importance of getting to know those you love.

structure- 1 unbroken stanza= closeness

language- semantic field of mountaineering= generational divide and separation