Mother, any distance

Question 1

How does the structure of the poem present their relationship?

Answer 1

It is almost a sonnet, which is a love poem. This shows that he has love for his mother, but the slight change in the form shows a change in their relation. As suggest by “to fall or fly”, he is in the process of becoming more independent.
“fall or fly” is the 15th line which separates the poem from a sonnet suggesting that to fly, he must leave the love of his mother.

Question 2

How does the unfixed rhyme scheme present growing up?

Answer 2

That everything is changing and unpredictable with no fixed structure or rhythm.

Question 3

What does the break in enjambment “Anchor. Kite” suggest?

Answer 3

Both represent stability and keeping under control, however they also represented being held down and not allowed to progress. This reflects his feelings towards leaving his parents.

The enjambment suggests how quickly time has passed until reaching the two separate paths; be held down like and anchor or fly like a kite.

Question 4

What does the hyperbolic language suggest?

Answer 4

• suggests he feels like its a bigger step than it actually is
• child like (“greater than a single span”) suggests he may not be ready to move out yet.
• However could represent his memories from his childhood and all he is leaving behind.

Question 5

What could the tape measure represent?

Answer 5

• The physical connection between mother and son, refusing to let go
• The distance/separation increasing between.

Question 6

What does “space-walk” suggest?

Answer 6

• exploring new territory, comes with a risk

- connected back to the “base” with a chord (reflected by the tape measure)