Holding Hands Analysis - Literary devices and Poetic devices

Holding Hands

by Lenore M. Link

Elephants walking
Along the trails

Are holding hands
By holding tails.

Trunks and tails
Are handy things

When elephants walk
In circus rings.

Elephants work
And elephants play

And elephants walk
And feel so gay.

And when they walk
It never fails

They’re holding hands
By holding tails.

Exploring the Charm of “Holding Hands”

Welcome, fellow poetry enthusiasts, to a delightful journey into Lenore M. Link’s poem, “Holding Hands.” This seemingly simple poem offers a profound and heartwarming message about connection, cooperation, and the joy found in togetherness. It is a piece that resonates with readers of all ages, inviting us to look closer at the bonds that unite us.

A Clear Summary of “Holding Hands”

“Holding Hands” presents a charming observation of elephants as they walk, not just along trails, but also in the synchronized environment of a circus. The poem highlights their unique way of connecting, by grasping each other’s tails, which the poet cleverly likens to “holding hands.” This central image serves as a powerful metaphor for unity and mutual support. The poem emphasizes that elephants engage in both work and play, always maintaining their connection and experiencing happiness in their shared journey. The core idea is that companionship and collaboration bring strength and joy, making every endeavor, whether work or play, a more pleasant and successful experience.

The Central Idea and Noteworthy Insights

The central idea of “Holding Hands” revolves around the beauty and importance of interdependence and companionship. It suggests that even in unconventional ways, connection is vital for well-being and success. The poem teaches us that working together, supporting one another, and sharing experiences can lead to a sense of contentment and happiness. One noteworthy aspect is the poem’s ability to convey a deep message using accessible language and a relatable image, making it a timeless piece that celebrates the universal need for connection.

An In-Depth “Holding Hands” Analysis

Let us now delve deeper into each stanza, uncovering the layers of meaning and the poetic craftsmanship that make “Holding Hands” so special.

Stanza 1: The Foundation of Connection

Elephants walking
Along the trails

Are holding hands
By holding tails.

The poem opens by immediately establishing its central metaphor. The image of “Elephants walking / Along the trails” sets a scene of shared journey and purpose. The crucial lines, “Are holding hands / By holding tails,” introduce the poem’s core concept: a unique form of connection. This isn’t a literal act of holding hands, but the poet uses this comparison to evoke a sense of tenderness, support, and unity. It suggests that true connection can manifest in various forms, not just the conventional ones we might expect. This stanza effectively introduces the theme of mutual support from the very beginning.

Stanza 2: Purpose and Practicality

Trunks and tails
Are handy things

When elephants walk
In circus rings.

Moving from natural trails to “circus rings,” this stanza expands on the idea of connection within a structured environment. The phrase “Trunks and tails / Are handy things” highlights the practical utility of these body parts, not just for individual tasks, but specifically for coordinated movement. In the circus, elephants often perform in unison, requiring precise teamwork. The act of holding tails becomes a practical tool for maintaining formation and working together effectively. This emphasizes that connection is not just emotional, but also functional, enabling smoother collaboration and shared achievement.

Stanza 3: Joy in Shared Experience

Elephants work
And elephants play

And elephants walk
And feel so gay.

This stanza broadens the scope of the elephants’ lives, showing a balance between effort and enjoyment. The repetition of “Elephants work / And elephants play / And elephants walk” creates a rhythmic, almost chant-like quality, underscoring the continuous and collective nature of their activities. The concluding line, “And feel so gay,” is particularly significant. In the context of the poem, “gay” means joyful, cheerful, and lighthearted. This line directly links their shared activities and implied connection to a feeling of happiness and contentment, suggesting that companionship enhances all aspects of life, whether work or play.

Stanza 4: The Enduring Message

And when they walk
It never fails

They’re holding hands
By holding tails.

The final stanza brings the poem full circle, powerfully reinforcing its central message. The phrase “It never fails” speaks to the reliability and constancy of this bond. No matter the situation or the path, the elephants consistently maintain their connection. The repetition of “They’re holding hands / By holding tails” serves as a memorable refrain, solidifying the poem’s core idea in the reader’s mind. This circular structure emphasizes that connection is an ongoing, essential, and unwavering part of their existence, leaving a lasting impression of unity and steadfast companionship.

Literary Devices in “Holding Hands”

Lenore M. Link masterfully employs several literary devices to enrich the meaning and impact of “Holding Hands.” These techniques contribute to its charm and depth.

Key Literary Devices Explored

Metaphor: The central literary device is the extended metaphor comparing elephants holding tails to humans “holding hands.” This non-literal comparison allows the poem to explore themes of connection and support in a fresh, imaginative way.

Are holding hands
By holding tails.

This line is the heart of the metaphor, inviting readers to see an unconventional act as a symbol of profound connection.
Repetition: The poem effectively uses repetition, particularly of the lines “They’re holding hands / By holding tails.” This creates a memorable refrain, emphasizing the poem’s core message and giving it a musical, rhythmic quality.

And when they walk
It never fails

They’re holding hands
By holding tails.

The repeated lines ensure the central theme of connection is deeply impressed upon the reader.
Imagery: Vivid visual imagery helps readers picture the elephants’ actions. Phrases like “Elephants walking / Along the trails” and “In circus rings” create clear mental pictures, making the poem engaging and easy to visualize. The imagery of the elephants’ physical connection is central to the poem’s appeal.
Personification: While subtle, the poem attributes human-like actions and emotions to the elephants. By stating they are “holding hands” and “feel so gay,” the poem gives the animals human qualities, making their actions more relatable and endearing to the reader.

And feel so gay.

This line personifies the elephants by giving them a human emotion of happiness.
Symbolism: The act of “holding tails” becomes a powerful symbol throughout the poem. It symbolizes unity, mutual support, companionship, and the strength found in collective action. It suggests that even seemingly small or unconventional gestures can represent deep bonds.
Rhyme Scheme: The poem employs a simple AABB rhyme scheme in each stanza (e.g., “trails” rhymes with “tails,” “things” rhymes with “rings”). This consistent end rhyme contributes to the poem’s gentle, predictable rhythm and makes it pleasant to read and hear.

Poetic Devices Enhancing Tone and Rhythm

Beyond literary devices, Link skillfully utilizes poetic techniques to craft the poem’s accessible tone and flowing rhythm.

Key Poetic Devices Examined

Simple Language: The poem’s use of straightforward, uncomplicated language makes it highly accessible to a wide audience. This simplicity allows the profound message of connection to shine through without being obscured by complex vocabulary.
Rhythm and Meter: “Holding Hands” features a consistent, gentle rhythm and meter, often trochaic or iambic, which mimics the steady, purposeful walk of the elephants. This creates a lulling, comforting effect, drawing the reader into the elephants’ world.

Elephants walking
Along the trails

The consistent stress pattern contributes to the poem’s flowing rhythm.
Stanza Form: The poem is composed of four quatrains, meaning each stanza has four lines. This consistent, short stanza form contributes to the poem’s brevity, conciseness, and easy readability, making each stanza a digestible unit of thought.
Alliteration: The repetition of initial consonant sounds, such as in “Trunks and tails,” adds a subtle musicality to the lines. This alliteration makes the phrases more memorable and pleasant to read aloud.
Anaphora: The repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses or lines, as seen in “And elephants work / And elephants play / And elephants walk,” builds rhythm and emphasizes the continuous nature of the elephants’ activities. This technique creates a sense of accumulation and reinforces the idea of their collective experience.

A Lasting Impression of Unity

“Holding Hands” by Lenore M. Link is a truly remarkable poem that, despite its apparent simplicity, delivers a powerful and enduring message. Through its charming central metaphor, vivid imagery, and skillful use of various literary and poetic devices, the poem beautifully illustrates the profound importance of connection, cooperation, and the joy that arises from shared experiences. It reminds us that whether on a long journey or in a coordinated performance, the bonds we form and the support we offer one another are invaluable. This poem stands as a heartwarming tribute to the universal need for companionship and the strength found in unity.