Name of the poet –
Robin Klein
SUMMARY
Amanda, a young girl, is trapped in a constant state of instruction and correction from her mother. Her mother’s constant reminders to sit up straight and finish her homework are a source of annoyance for Amanda, who dreams of freedom and openness. Her mother believes she has poor posture, but Amanda creates her own imaginary world to escape her mother’s commands. In this world, Amanda is the sole inhabitant of a serene emerald sea without any boundaries. She imagines herself as a free-spirited mermaid gliding across the gentle waves. However, her mother’s constant interruptions, such as asking if she has cleaned her room or finished her homework, break her out of her reverie.
Amanda has another daydream where she imagines herself as an orphan, wandering barefoot in golden silence and freedom. She longs for a life without boundaries, where she can enjoy her freedom and make patterns with her bare feet in the sand. Her mother’s nagging complaints break her daydream once again. Amanda is also fond of imagining herself as Rapunzel, a character from a fairy tale who lives alone in a tall tower. She dreams of living peacefully in the tower, never letting anyone in. But her mother forbids her from being moody, as it makes her feel guilty for harassing her daughter.
Amanda’s parents are concerned about her lack of reaction to their constant commands, fearing that society will judge them if their child is constantly grumpy. Amanda’s lack of response is due to her frustration with her parents’ constant harassment and control over her life. She no longer dreams of escaping into imaginary worlds, as her parents’ nagging has taken away that solace.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, this poem emphasizes the need for parents to strike a balance between guiding their children and giving them the space to grow and explore. It reminds us that excessive control and nagging can be detrimental to a child’s emotional well-being and development. As such, parents should strive to understand their children’s needs and nurture them in a way that promotes a healthy, positive outlook on life.
More Articles