Poem AnalysisThis poet is exploring a new reality where peaceful things are unbearable and accomplishments are shameful. She feels that contingency is very important because it keeps life lively. She admits," Possibility, is one of the elements.
It keeps things going". She considers reality to be boring and enslavement. She mentions a train for example. It always has precision and a perfect rhythm, nothing new or surprising, always going the same route. She never want to become a slave to her lifestyle, rather she wants to be the master of it. She wants spontaneity. That's why she considers "arriving into a new life" and she does it often. |
Literary Devices AnalysisThis poem is simple, yet complex. I found metaphor and paradox. Metaphor is found here," Possibility is one of the elements". He's is saying that possibility is an essential feature in life because if it weren't for it, you would become a slave to the mundane. I came across the paradox in the middle of the poem. It states," I have, often. But rarely". This statement contradicts itself and doesn't make sense at first but holds a deeper meaning. She tries to escape the ordinary but isn't successful often.However she does manage to sometimes by exploring different scenarios and realities in her mind.
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Footsteps
Footsteps
BY FANNY HOWERead the Q & A
I have never arrived
into a new life yet.
Have you?
Do you find the squeak
of boots on snow
excruciating?
Have you heard people
say, It wasn’t me,
when they accomplished
a great feat?
I have, often.
But rarely.
•
Possibility
is one of the elements.
It keeps things going.
The ferry
with its ratty engine
and exactitude at chugging
into blocks and chains.
Returning as ever
to mother’s house
under a salty rain.
Slave up, slave down.