Response to "My Father's Waltz"

My Father's Waltz was a very sad poem. Under many layers, the author admitted that his father was a drunk and abused him. Whether it was about a specific time or his whole childhood, he makes the reader feel the pain of his father's belt buckle and "hand caked with dirt."

What is most interesting about the poem is how the author says it so casually. He explains the hand as keeping time and the belt buckle from slipping. It is as if he was abused on a regular basis and began to think of it as normal life.

That is a scary thought; being abused could be his normal life. Each day waking up, eating, and being abused as his mother nonchalantly looks on. Talking about the mother, I wonder what exactly she is doing and thinking while her husband drunkenly hits their son. Is she helpless, or could she have made the husband stop? Maybe she is scared for her own safety, but would sacrifice that of her son's.

This poem shows a life that I could never imagine having, yet the author lived it and was brave enough to share it with us. I admire his bravery in this situation, in his life!

Reflection on Starry Night

Starry Night by Anne Sexton is a very interesting poem. It takes a painting that many think of as pretty and turns it into something creepy. It turns into death and monstrous thoughts; a battle within ones self. 

This poem shows that things can be seen from different perspectives based on the person's personality. If they are generally unhappy they will see the dark colors and notice how they compliment the painting. A generally happier person will notice the stars and how they compliment the painting.

Like the painting, the poem has many layers and many feelings within. They can be interpreted in many different ways. It just depends on the person and their view of the world. They just need to look carefully and extract what they can connect to. Each poem/painting is multiple opinions.

Entry #8: Reflection on Mother to Son by Langston Hughes

"Life for me ain't been no crystal stair"

Life is full of challenge. For the "mother" in the poem, her life is far from perfect. It is full of "tacks and splinters" for her to wade around. The  message that Langston Hughes creates, talks about the "mother's" life, as well as the life of anyone who is going through a rough time.

When people are struggling they are tempted to give up on wading around "tacks and splinters", or barriers. The "mother" is like a mentor, leading people, and keeping them moving. She has done something that few people can do: keep a positive attitude.

This poem teaches us to never stop trying to reach the top of the stairs. If I said that what was at the top of the stairs is better than what people already had, I would be saying that the grass is greener on the other side, which is not true. Mother to Son has the opposite message. This poem says to enjoy getting past each challenge and go on with life; just don't turn around or get scared away. In other terms, live life to it's best and fullest.

Life isn't a crystal stair for me nor the people who claim to have perfect lives. Perfect doesn't exist, but determination does. Have a goal but don't let it ruin you.