Poetry - Wodwo

Question 1

“What am I? Nosing here, turning leaves over”

Answer 1

The question is central to the poem’s theme—Reoccurs in various forms. Searching for identity is what drives the Wodwo. The pronoun ‘What’ indicates an animalistic quality, not ‘who’ like a human.
Animal imagery is like a pig searching for truffles. The verb ‘nosing’ gives the impression the Wodwo is snooping where he doesn’t belong.

Question 2

“What am I doing here in mid-air?”

Answer 2

The question and adjective reiterate the Wodwo’s lack of belonging.
It is not grounded and seems to float in space, not belonging to the ground or air.

Question 3

“Not rooted but dropped out of nothing casually”

Answer 3

A metaphor for not belonging anywhere and having no family. Lacks identity and place in the world.
The adverb coupled with the earlier verb ‘dropped’ indicates a carelessness and lack of care towards the Wodwo.
Accidental arrival further indicates his lack of belonging.

Question 4

“bits of bark off this rotten stump”

Answer 4

The metaphor and alliteration illustrate the Wodwo’s disillusionment and lack of foundations, thus his lack of enjoyment.