My Parents
by unknown author
My parents kept me from children who were rough
Who threw words like stones and wore torn clothes
Their thighs showed through rags as they ran in the street
And climbed cliffs, stripped by the country streams.I feared them more than tigers; their muscles were like iron
Their jerking hands and knees tightened on my arms
I feared the coarse salt pointed by those boys
Who copied my lisp behind me on the road.They were lithe, they sprang out behind hedges, like dogs to bark at my world. They threw mud
While I looked the other way, pretending to smile.
I longed to forgive them, but they never smiled.
Summary of “My Parents”
- Understanding the Poem: “My Parents” is a poignant exploration of childhood, parental protection, and the complex feelings of envy and fear that arise when observing those different from oneself. It is a deceptively simple poem that delves into social class, the desire for acceptance, and the barriers built between individuals.
- Central Idea: The poem centers around the speaker’s protected upbringing and his parents’ efforts to shield him from the “rough” children in his neighborhood. While understanding their motives, the speaker also experiences a longing for the freedom and physical prowess of these children, creating a tension between safety and self‑discovery.
- Noteworthy Knowledge: “My Parents” is often studied for its insightful portrayal of social dynamics and the universal experience of childhood insecurities. It resonates with readers because it captures the bittersweet nature of growing up and the enduring influence of parental guidance.
In-Depth Analysis of “My Parents”
Exploring Themes and Ideas
“My Parents” isn’t merely a recounting of a childhood experience; it is a subtle commentary on societal divisions and the emotional impact of those divisions on an individual. The poem skillfully juxtaposes the speaker’s sheltered life with the seemingly unrestrained existence of the other children, prompting questions about privilege, freedom, and the true meaning of happiness.
Analyzing Poetic Devices
Imagery and Sensory Detail
Spender masterfully employs imagery to create a vivid and memorable picture of both the speaker and the other children. Consider the opening lines: “My parents kept me from children who were rough / Who threw words like stones and wore torn clothes.” The phrase “words like stones” is a powerful metaphor, illustrating the hurtful impact of their teasing and the speaker’s perceived vulnerability. The description of their clothing—“torn clothes”—immediately establishes a visual contrast with the speaker’s more protected environment.
The physical descriptions continue to build a strong impression. Lines such as “Their thighs showed through rags as they ran in the street / And climbed cliffs, stripped by the country streams” emphasize their physical freedom and connection to nature—qualities the speaker seemingly lacks.
Metaphor and Symbolism
The “rough” children themselves can be seen as symbolic of a world outside the speaker’s comfort zone—a world of unfiltered experience and potential hardship. The speaker’s fear, described with the hyperbole “I feared them more than tigers; their muscles were like iron,” suggests that this external world feels dangerous and threatening. However, it is also a world that holds a certain allure. The imagery of “iron muscles” evokes strength and vitality—qualities the speaker unconsciously admires.
Enjambment and Flow
Spender makes effective use of enjambment— the continuation of a sentence or phrase from one line to the next—to create a sense of natural speech and subtly influence the poem’s rhythm. For example:
“Their thighs showed through rags as they ran in the street
And climbed cliffs, stripped by the country streams.”
This flow mirrors the uninhibited energy of the children themselves, contrasting with the more contained and controlled language used to describe the speaker’s upbringing.
Digging Deeper into Specific Lines
“I feared them more than tigers; their muscles were like iron”
This line is a powerful example of hyperbole and reveals the speaker’s deep‑seeded fear and perhaps even admiration. The comparison to tigers, a symbol of wild power, highlights the perceived threat of these children. The focus on their “muscles were like iron” suggests that the speaker is also drawn to their physical strength and vitality.
“They were lithe, they sprang out behind hedges, like dogs to bark at my world.”
This imagery creates a sense of the children as wild, unpredictable creatures. The simile “like dogs” emphasizes their instinctual behavior and their perceived hostility. The phrase “bark at my world” suggests a challenge to the speaker’s sheltered existence.
“I longed to forgive them, but they never smiled.”
The final lines of the poem are particularly poignant. The speaker’s desire for forgiveness highlights his own longing for connection and acceptance. The fact that “they never smiled” underscores the unbridgeable gap between them—a gap created by social class, parental protection, and perhaps a mutual lack of understanding.
Literary and Poetic Devices in “My Parents”
- Imagery: Spender uses vivid imagery to paint a clear picture of the characters and setting.
- Metaphor and Simile: The poem employs metaphors such as “words like stones” and similes like “like dogs” to deepen meaning and enhance understanding.
- Hyperbole: Exaggeration, such as “I feared them more than tigers,” emphasizes the speaker’s emotional state.
- Enjambment: This technique contributes to the poem’s natural flow and rhythm.
- Stanza Form: The poem is composed of three quatrains (four line stanzas), creating a structured and concise form.
Quotes for Discussion and Teaching
“My parents kept me from children who were rough
Who threw words like stones and wore torn clothes
Their thighs showed through rags as they ran in the street
And climbed cliffs, stripped by the country streams.”
This opening stanza is a powerful starting point for discussions about parental protection, social class, and the importance of understanding different perspectives.
“My Parents” is a deceptively simple poem that rewards close reading and thoughtful analysis. By exploring its themes, imagery, and poetic devices, readers can gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of childhood, social dynamics, and the enduring power of parental influence.