Mother any distance Flashcards
Metaphor - Comparison to space suggests that although he is just moving out it is a “giant leap” for him
“I space walk”
Metaphor - The Mother has to break her protectiveness over her son so he can be free
“Something has to give”
Metaphor - Their time together is coming to an end
“Years between us”
Metaphor - With his Mother gone there will be holes in his life
“Prairies in the floors”
Metaphor - Now he is free he has endless opportunities
“Endless sky”
Internal rhyme - Mother is still grasping onto their relationship and doesn’t want to let go
“Your fingers still pinch the last one hundredth of an inch
Metaphor - The Mother is at the beginning so if the Son fails in life he always has her to go back to. (Link to context)
“Zero end”
Metaphor - Freedom is associated with flight so he image of him flying symbolises this.
Also, since he either falls or fly’s it shows that he will always have ups and downs in his life which he must experience.
“To fall or fly”
Context
Explore emotional connection between son and Mother.
The tape measure is a metaphor for this as the son is ready to go but doesn’t know whether he can succeed on his own.
When the author moved out he still remained on the same road as his parents which creates a link between author and speaker.
Links to other poems
Climbing my grandfather - Familial love
Walking away - Parents letting go of their children
Before you were mine - Difference of child wanting to know more about their mother instead
