Thirteen Flashcards
“You are cornered by an officer”
He initially calls him an ‘officer’ , suggesting his respect. The word ‘cornered’ suggests an inescapability – like an animal penned in, dehumanizing and forcing him into submission. It indicates the power imbalance between the narrator and not just the police officer, but the entire justice system. He has nowhere to go and nobody to help him, evoking a sense of isolation.
“Supernovas are, in fact, dying stars on the verge of becoming black holes”
This is the bluntness of the real world – the teacher is preparing him for reality, and exposing him to the inevitable hardships. Perhaps it reminds us that pretending the world is pure and good does not do children many favours – there is a pessimistic (no hope for future) end to this poem and it does not assume it will improve – but it reminds us that this is something we all know, but sometimes pretend is not happening, we conceal uncomfortable truths to avoid the harsh reality.
“He will see you powerless –
plump”
The plosive ‘p’ sounds are angry and hostile. This line
reminds us again that this is just a child – he is ‘plump’
because he has not lost the puppy fat of childhood (he still retains the softness of childhood) – and it reminds us again that he could not have fit the description of
a ‘man’ – this was a lie and an excuse to harass and bully him, exposing systemic prejudice. He is not threatening; he is innocent and vulnerable.
