The Way My Mother Speaks Flashcards
under the shallows of my breath
longs to hear these familiar words, but can only voice them to herself, privately & quietly so not to be heard. she’s on her own. comforting herself. “shallows” indicated feeling anxious
restful shapes moving
she’s on a train, looking out the window. paradox. reflects inner conflict. train is moving, not scenery but she’s stationary in her seat so perceives it the other way around
The day and ever. The day and ever.
repetition & italics reflects rhythm of train. italics let’s us know these are words spoken by her mother. represents sense of loss and she moves away from her roots (her mum)
“slow” “goes down” “browsing”
assonance reflects train journey - meandering, even tedious. does it feel tedious because as much as there is loss in this poem, there is also excitement for new chapter in her life.
too blue
connotations of sunny weather, warmth, comfort, home. it’s “too” blue - suggests it’s not right for her anymore. too easy to stay where she feels protected & cared about, when it’s healthy to take yourself out of your comfort zone & try new things
cool grey
potential for rain, therefore represents uncertainty of future
For miles
holding on to where she comes from, moving away from that (inner conflict feelings and loss)
Nothing is silent. Nothing is not silent.
Double negative emphasises message : the words are representative of her roots & you carry that with you instead of leaving it behind. She can hear the sounds of these words in her mind.
I am happy and sad
conflicting emotions - this step in her life is bitter sweet. leaving safety of home behind & embarking on excitement of independence.
Only tonight I am happy and sad like a child who stood at the end of summer and dipped a net in a green, erotic pond.
Extended simile - have had a wonderful time in a safe environment.
“dipped in a net” tentatively exploring something new.
“in a green erotic pond.” unfamiliar & exciting, engages the senses
green connotations of naïvety and erotic has connotations of adulthood
I am homesick, free
contradiction - this big change in her life leaves her nostalgic, yet exhilarated about what the future holds
in love with the way my mother speaks
ends poem on a positive note. she will always have her roots & her mothers comfort, wherever she goes. she can move forward with her life in the security that what she leaves behind remains for her to return to whenever she wants
the way i say things when i think
natural for her to go back to her roots
