"They mutter death & my shadow falls as evidence of sunlight

• Analysis

  "My city hides behind me. They mutter death, and my shadow falls as evidence of sunlight," the poem turns, introducing a sense of threat from those who still rule her past city. The "they" could refer to the tyrants from her homeland, possibly a reflection of political oppression or violence like the poisoning of a former Russian spy. Alternatively, "they" might refer to the people in her new city, symbolizing the racism or xenophobia that immigrants often face. Despite this threat, the narrator feels that by holding on to her memories and language, she is preserving the true image
• Structure

  The contrast between "shadow" and "sunlight" in the final line represents the enduring positivity and hope of her past. Her shadow signifies her survival and growth, while the sunlight reflects the joy and warmth she carries with her. This could suggest that even in the face of death or rejection, her experiences as an émigré and the positive aspects of her homeland will persist. The poem thus serves as both a testament to her cultural identity and a reminder of the value immigrants bring, highlighted by the recurring motif of sunlight.