The poet effectively structures this poem to convey his feelings about his relationship with his father in the last two lines. Through careful use of imagery, metaphor, and the overall progression of the poem, the poet is able to express his realizations and regrets.
Firstly, the poet employs vivid and emotional imagery throughout the poem to establish the tone and atmosphere of his relationship with his father. He describes his father as “a stern, commanding figure” and himself as a “small, bewildered child.” This stark contrast between the father’s authority and the speaker’s vulnerability sets the stage for the exploration of their relationship.
Furthermore, the poet employs metaphor to convey the complexities of the father-son dynamic. He compares his father to a “mighty oak,” symbolizing strength and stability. This metaphor signifies the poet’s initial perception of his father as a distant and unyielding figure, intimidating in his presence. However, as the poem progresses, the metaphor evolves, suggesting a deeper understanding and appreciation. The poet describes himself as a “young and foolish skipping squirrel,” emphasizing his own ignorance and immaturity in contrast to his father’s wisdom.
The poet then carefully structures the poem to build up to the final two lines. He takes the reader on a journey of self-reflection and introspection, gradually revealing his realization and regret. The poem begins with a nostalgic recollection of his childhood, highlighting the disconnect between his young self and his father’s love. As the poem unfolds, the speaker’s perspective gradually changes, leading to a more introspective and self-aware tone.
Throughout the poem, the poet establishes a sense of distance and separation between himself and his father. However, he also hints at an underlying yearning for connection and understanding. This yearning becomes more evident as the poem progresses, creating a sense of anticipation for the final lines.
Finally, in the last two lines of the poem, the poet directly expresses his feelings about his relationship with his father. He states, “And wrong or right, I miss you still.” This simple yet powerful admission reveals the poet’s deep regret for not fully appreciating his father’s love and his longing to reconnect with him. The use of the word “still” implies a lingering sense of loss and a desire for reconciliation that persists even in the present.
In conclusion, the poet effectively structures this poem to communicate his feelings about his relationship with his father in the last two lines. Through the use of vivid imagery, metaphor, and a carefully crafted progression of thoughts, the poet conveys his realization and regret. The journey of self-reflection and introspection ultimately leads to the final two lines, where the poet expresses his longing and genuine remorse for not fully understanding his father’s love. By utilizing these literary techniques, the poet evokes a sense of empathy and introspection in the reader, emphasizing the universal themes of family, love, and the complexities of parent-child relationships.
