Filling Station Flashcards
opening line
Oh, but it is dirty!
the station is covered in oil (masculine)
oil-soaked, oil-permeated
the speaker describes what seems to be the father
Father wears a dirty, oil-soaked monkey suit that cuts him under the arms
the speaker describes the sons, indicating they are exchanging banter and wit and slightly inappropriate conversation (masculine)
quick and saucy and greasy sons
the poet wonders if these characters live in the station
Do they live in the station?
the speaker describes a dog on the couch
dirty dog, quite comfy
the speaker notices a doily
big dim doily, draping a taboret
plant present in station
begonia
the poet questions why these “feminine” things are present in such a “masculine” environment / out of place in the oil-soaked filling station
Why the extraneous plant?
Why the taboret?
Why, oh why, the doily?
the poet realises someone took the time to beautify the station and cares for the other inhabitants
Somebody embroidered the doily
Somebody waters the plant
arranges the rows of cans so that they softly say ESSO-SO-SO-SO
the poet comes to a realisation at the end
she realises if love can exist in a place like this, then love must be possible everywhere and in everyone
Somebody loves us all
themes
love
moment of insight
ordinary
ordinary becoming extraordinary
