Jasmine Dunkley Dr.

Griffin English 12 18 November 2013 My Papas Waltz By: Theodore Roethke The whiskey on your breath Could make a small boy dizzy; But I hung on like death: Such waltzing was not easy.
Commented [JD1]: When I was young my mom would sing a song about breathing a new life within. Something as small as a breath can determine more than what you last ate, it can transform a life by what you say with that hot air. Commented [JD2]: Being young and fragile, ready to experience whats next in life but not big enough to stand up to your biggest bully and friend; your parents Commented [JD3]: When you are scared of falling you hang on like your life depends on it so maybe he was scared of falling or what would happen if he did. Like on the roundabout Commented [JD4]: This makes me think of being a small girl standing on my fathers toes spinning with his every move Commented [JD5]: I think of fighting like it is truly a struggle doing this and you cant let go Commented [JD6]: I think of sliding down the slide having fun and not wishing it would be over Commented [JD7]: My mothers attitude when we dont clean the kitchen.

We romped until the pans Slid from the kitchen shelf; My mother's countenance Could not unfrown itself.

The hand that held my wrist Was battered on one knuckle; At every step you missed My right ear scraped a buckle.

Commented [JD8]: I think of my mom grabbing my wrist when I was in trouble, so it was easier to drag me along. Commented [JD9]: This makes me think of a man who has been to the bar had a fight. His knuckles make me think of a fighter; one that doesnt walk away from disrespect but takes it head on Commented [JD10]: I think of the stepping stones of life Commented [JD11]: This makes me think of falling on the floor and seeing the buckles of my father s shoes right before he picked me up and asks me Did you have a nice trip? Commented [JD12]: I think of the craziest beating I ve ever gotten Commented [JD13]: I think of a hard worker Commented [JD14]: Trying to sleep away my fear

You beat time on my head With a palm caked hard by dirt, Then waltzed me off to bed Still clinging to your shirt.

Commented [JD15]: A small child that tries to hold on tight to where they know safety is