Poem at 39 Flashcards
I wish he had not been so tired
Emphasises how hard he worked. Wishes he could have worked less + spent more time with her.
Deposit slips and checks
Financial semantic field. Responsible with money. Trying to provide family with a secure future.
Escape the life he knew
Perceives father as being trapped
Repetition of ‘he taught me’
Sees him as a role model. Admires him and respects him for his guidance.
Many of my truths must have grieved him
They may have disagreed when she criticised black men’s abuse of black women + possibly her interracial marriage
Refrain of ‘How I miss my father’
Emphasises how often and how deeply she misses him
Like a person dancing
Simile. Calm graceful and elegant as he cooks- suggests his skill. Deliberate in his movement- like a dancer
Voluptuous sharing
Symbolises that he is generous with his love despite their differences, his love bonds them
Seasoning none of my life
Metaphor. Varied life in contrast to father having to work all the time + being constantly tired
