mother, any distance... Flashcards
(13 cards)
description of the poem
the narrators mother comes to the house he’s moving into to help measure things such as walls and doors.
she holds the end of the tape measure while he walks away to measure things. this makes him think about how she’s always looked after him– but now she has to let him go
the narrator is looking forward to being independent, but he’s also a bit scared by it. he doesnt know if he’ll succeed without his mum or not but there are hints that she’ll always be there for him if he needs her.
form
this poem is written as a sonnet
this shows the speakers love for his mom
unlike the sonnet this poem has an irregular rhyme scheme – this refletc the narrators feeling of uncertinaty
language about measurment
measurments and distances are an extended metaphor in this poem. they represent the relationship with his mother.
excitment
the narrator is looking forward to his new independent life
fear
worried about the thought of being alone
connection
strong bonds between the mother and the son
“Zero-end”
Holding the start of the tape measure could stand for the time when he was born.
“Up the stairs”
Moving away from his mother physically but also emotionally.
“Unreeling years”
Enjambment imitates how theyre crossing into a new phase of their relationship.
Breaking point, where something has to give
Their relationship has to change. He is trying to move away and she is trying to hold on.
“Hatch” “to fall or fly”
Breaking free of his mothers protection but doesn’t know if he’ll succeed without her security.
“Endless Sky”
He feels there’s no limit to the opportunities open to him
His tone is optimistic in contrast to the uncertainty of the final line.
