Welcome, everyone, to a wonderful exploration of poetry! Today, we delve into a truly special poem that touches the heart and sparks the imagination. We are going to uncover the layers of meaning and beauty within Sandra Cisneros’s poignant work, “Abuelito Who.” This poem offers a tender glimpse into the world of a child’s love for their grandfather, a world rich with memory, affection, and the bittersweet reality of time’s passage. Let us begin by reading the poem together.
Abuelito who throws coins like rain
and asks who loves him
who is dough and feathers
who is a watch and glass of water
whose hair is made of fur
is too sad to come downstairs today
who tells me in Spanish you are my diamond
who tells me in English you are my sky
whose little eyes are string
can’t come out to play
sleeps in his little room all night and day
who used to laugh like the letter k
is sick
is a doorknob tied to a sour stick
is tired shut the door
doesn’t live here anymore
is hiding underneath the bed
who talks to me inside my head
is blankets and spoons and big brown shoes
who snores up and down up and down up and down again
is the rain on the roof that falls like coins
asking who loves him
who loves him who?
Understanding “Abuelito Who”: A Gentle Introduction
“Abuelito Who” by Sandra Cisneros is a deeply moving poem that captures the essence of a grandchild’s relationship with their grandfather, or “Abuelito” in Spanish. This poem is not a straightforward story but rather a collection of vivid images, sensory details, and heartfelt observations, all filtered through the innocent and imaginative perspective of a child. It is a beautiful exploration of memory, family bonds, and the tender process of aging.
The central idea of “Abuelito Who” revolves around the enduring power of love and memory in the face of change and loss. The poem portrays the grandfather as a figure of both warmth and increasing fragility. Initially, he is vibrant and generous, but as the poem progresses, there is a noticeable shift towards his decline in health and presence. Despite these changes, the grandfather’s spirit and the love he shared continue to resonate deeply within the speaker’s mind.
What makes this poem particularly noteworthy is its ability to evoke strong emotions through simple, yet powerful, language. It beautifully blends Spanish and English, reflecting a bicultural experience and adding a layer of authenticity to the familial connection. The poem’s structure, with its repetitive “who” and “is,” mimics a child’s stream of consciousness, creating an intimate and personal portrait that many readers find universally relatable, especially those who cherish memories of their own grandparents.
Exploring the Heart of “Abuelito Who”: Themes and Meanings
Sandra Cisneros masterfully weaves several profound themes throughout “Abuelito Who,” inviting readers to reflect on universal aspects of life and family.
Familial Love and Affection
At its core, the poem is a testament to the deep, unconditional love between a grandchild and their grandfather. The speaker’s adoration is evident in every line, from the playful descriptions to the tender recollections. The grandfather’s own affection is shown through his words and actions:
who tells me in Spanish you are my diamond
who tells me in English you are my sky
These lines beautifully convey the grandfather’s immense love and how he makes the child feel precious and boundless. The repeated question “who loves him who?” at the poem’s conclusion, though tinged with sadness, also underscores the child’s unwavering love and concern for their Abuelito.
Memory and Nostalgia
The poem is a journey through memory, as the speaker recalls various facets of their grandfather. There is a strong sense of nostalgia for the past, for a time when Abuelito was more active and vibrant. The contrast between “who used to laugh like the letter k” and his current state of being “sick” highlights this longing for what once was. The grandfather’s presence, even when physically absent, lives on through these cherished recollections:
who talks to me inside my head
This line powerfully illustrates how memory keeps loved ones alive within us, transcending physical separation.
Aging, Illness, and Loss
A poignant theme in “Abuelito Who” is the inevitable process of aging and the accompanying decline in health. The poem subtly traces the grandfather’s journey from an active figure to one who is “too sad to come downstairs today” and “sleeps in his little room all night and day.” His illness is directly stated, and the imagery becomes increasingly fragile and melancholic:
is sick
is a doorknob tied to a sour stick
is tired shut the door
doesn’t live here anymore
These lines convey a sense of fading presence and the child’s dawning understanding of loss, even if it is not explicitly stated as death. The poem captures the bittersweet reality of watching a loved one change and eventually become less physically present.
Cultural Identity and Language
The seamless integration of Spanish and English is a significant aspect of the poem, reflecting a bicultural identity. The grandfather speaks to the child in both languages, reinforcing the idea of a blended heritage:
who tells me in Spanish you are my diamond
who tells me in English you are my sky
This linguistic duality not only adds authenticity to the character but also symbolizes the richness of a bicultural upbringing, where love and identity are expressed across different tongues.
The Child’s Perspective
The entire poem is filtered through the innocent, associative, and often literal perspective of a child. This viewpoint allows for unique and imaginative descriptions, such as “dough and feathers” or “hair is made of fur.” The child’s understanding of illness and absence is expressed through simple observations and questions, making the emotional impact even more profound. The world is seen through their eyes, full of wonder, confusion, and deep affection.
Unpacking the Craft: Literary Devices in “Abuelito Who”
Sandra Cisneros is a master of language, and “Abuelito Who” shines with her skillful use of various literary devices. These techniques enhance the poem’s emotional depth and create its distinctive, memorable style.
Anaphora
The repeated use of “who” and “is” at the beginning of successive lines is a prominent example of anaphora. This creates a rhythmic, almost chant-like quality, mimicking a child’s persistent questioning and their attempt to define a beloved figure through a series of observations and memories. Consider these lines:
Abuelito who throws coins like rain
and asks who loves him
who is dough and feathers
who is a watch and glass of water
This repetition builds a cumulative portrait of the grandfather, emphasizing the many ways he is perceived and remembered.
Assonance
Assonance, the repetition of vowel sounds within words in close proximity, adds a musicality to the poem. For instance, the long “a” sound in “who is a watch and glass of water” creates a flowing, almost dreamlike quality, drawing attention to the fragility and clarity of these images.
Alliteration
Subtle alliteration, the repetition of initial consonant sounds, grounds the poem in tactile details. The repeated “b” sound in “is blankets and spoons and big brown shoes” adds a gentle rhythm and emphasizes the comforting, tangible aspects of the grandfather’s presence.
Consonance
Consonance involves the repetition of consonant sounds within words, often at the end. The “s” sound in “sleeps in his little room all night and day” creates a soft, hushed effect, reinforcing the sense of quietness and the grandfather’s withdrawal.
Enjambment
Enjambment occurs when a line of poetry continues without punctuation into the next line, creating a sense of fluidity and mimicking the natural flow of thought. This technique is used throughout the poem, as seen here:
who talks to me inside my head
is blankets and spoons and big brown shoes
The lack of a break between these lines connects the abstract idea of the grandfather’s voice in the child’s mind with the concrete objects that symbolize his comforting presence.
Imagery
Cisneros employs rich and vivid imagery that appeals to various senses, bringing the grandfather to life in the reader’s mind. Examples include “throws coins like rain” (visual and auditory), “dough and feathers” (tactile, suggesting softness), and “whose hair is made of fur” (visual and tactile). These images are often childlike and imaginative, reflecting the speaker’s perspective.
Metaphor
Metaphors are figures of speech that directly compare two unlike things without using “like” or “as.” The grandfather’s profound affection for the child is conveyed through beautiful metaphors:
you are my diamond
you are my sky
“Diamond” suggests preciousness, rarity, and enduring value, while “sky” implies boundless love, protection, and an all-encompassing presence. Later, the grandfather himself is described metaphorically as “a doorknob tied to a sour stick,” a powerful image conveying his fragility, immobility, and perhaps a sense of being worn out or diminished.
Rhetorical Question
A rhetorical question is asked for effect or to make a statement, rather than to elicit an answer. The repeated question “who loves him who?” at the end of the poem is a poignant rhetorical question. It underscores the child’s deep concern for their grandfather’s emotional well-being and their own unwavering affection, even as it highlights the grandfather’s need for reassurance.
Simile
Similes compare two different things using “like” or “as.” The poem features a memorable simile that captures the grandfather’s joyful past:
who used to laugh like the letter k
This playful and unique comparison evokes a specific, perhaps guttural or distinct, sound of his laughter, making it vivid and unforgettable.
Symbolism
Objects and concepts in the poem often carry deeper symbolic meanings. The “coins like rain” initially symbolize the grandfather’s generosity and abundance. However, later, “the rain on the roof that falls like coins” takes on a more melancholic tone, perhaps symbolizing tears, the fading of that generosity, or the sound of time passing. “Blankets and spoons and big brown shoes” symbolize comfort, daily routine, and the tangible remnants of his presence, even when he is no longer physically active.
The Poetic Fabric: Poetic Devices in “Abuelito Who”
Beyond specific literary techniques, the overall structure and style of “Abuelito Who” contribute significantly to its impact as a piece of poetry.
Diction
Cisneros’s diction, or word choice, is deliberate and precise. She blends simple, childlike language with evocative imagery, creating a tone that is both accessible and deeply profound. Phrases like “dough and feathers” or “sour stick” are childlike in their directness but powerfully imaginative and emotionally resonant. This careful selection of words allows the poem to convey complex emotions through seemingly straightforward expressions.
Free Verse
“Abuelito Who” is written in free verse, meaning it does not adhere to a strict rhyme scheme or meter. This choice allows for a conversational, natural tone that mimics the flow of thought and memory. The lines vary in length, and the rhythm feels organic, much like a child’s rambling observations, giving the poem an intimate and personal feel.
Stanza
The poem is presented as a single, continuous stanza consisting of twenty-three lines. This unbroken form creates a sense of an uninterrupted stream of consciousness, emphasizing the persistent, lingering presence of the grandfather in the speaker’s mind. It suggests that the memories and feelings associated with Abuelito flow together without clear divisions, much like a constant thought or feeling.
Tone
The tone of “Abuelito Who” is complex and shifts throughout the poem. It begins with a tone of nostalgic love and playful observation, as seen in descriptions of the grandfather’s generosity and unique qualities. However, it gradually transitions to a more melancholic and concerned tone as the grandfather’s health declines. The poem ultimately settles on a tender, wistful, and deeply affectionate tone, permeated with both the joy of memory and the sadness of impending loss. The final lines, “asking who loves him / who loves him who?” encapsulate this blend of tenderness and fragility.
A Lasting Impression
“Abuelito Who” is a remarkable poem that resonates with readers of all ages. Through its masterful use of literary and poetic devices, Sandra Cisneros crafts a powerful and tender portrait of a beloved grandfather, seen through the eyes of a child. The poem beautifully explores universal themes of familial love, the bittersweet nature of memory, and the gentle sorrow of aging and loss. Its blend of languages and its unique perspective make it a truly unforgettable piece of literature. We encourage you to revisit “Abuelito Who” often, allowing its layers of meaning and emotion to continue to enrich your understanding of family, memory, and the enduring power of love.