How does the poet show how she feels about her mother in Praise Song for My Mother?

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How does the poet show how she feels about her mother in “Praise Song for My Mother”?

By Ines Tan 10P

The title of the poem makes its subject clear, a praise song or a eulogy, is a traditional form from many African cultures and is often sung instead of being written down. This poem was written to honour the attributes of the poet’s mother; it is a metaphoric poem written from the child’s perspective, using imagery to describe the powerful emotional relationship she shared with her mother. The poet is grateful and rejoices her mothers' presence using the term 'praise' in her poem title whilst referring to her homeland simultaneously.

With structure, “Praise Song for My Mother” is based around the first three stanzas, each of three lines. All of which are very similar in format, although, the rhythm is not carried all the way through. The fourth begins in the same way as the first three but is extended, emphasising the poem’s final line about the daughter’s “wide futures” and expanding horizons, as if reflecting the way her mother’s care allowed her to develop and move on. “Praise Song for My Mother” is a free verse, meaning it does not adhere to regular rhyme or rhythm, writing in this way augments the fluidity and the reading of the poem. The lack of punctuation means that there is no pause, adding to the flowing pace and has a softer effect and tone on the reader. By not using rhyme and following an unconventional order, the poet creates a sincere and honest atmosphere within the piece.

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The consistent use of past tense and repetition, for example “You were” – secures and anchors this poem. It illustrates the certainty and unfailing trust that the poet places in her mother. The repetition is effective in reinforcing the idea of security and sanctuary created by the mother. It also signals to the reader that the poet’s mother has in fact passed away and elucidates the point of view from which it is written – as if the speaker is reminiscing and remembering her childhood, along with the influence of her mother.

The first three stanzas end with a ...

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