The Way My Mother Speaks

• I say her phrases to myself'

  Suggests an internal debate or the speaker attempting to reassure herself.
• In my head'

  Suggests something abstract/unreal

  Personal quality of the memory.
• Under the shallows of my breath'

  The image of short small breaths suggests anxiety/worry.
• Restful shapes moving'

  Oxymoron gives a signs of nothing being as it seems/random movement.
• The day and ever' (S1)

  The repetition suggests the speaker's need for a calming mantra.
• Browsing for...'

  Suggests searching for/seeking something and lack of focus.
• Too blue swapped for a cool grey'

  Suggests a transition from the carefree days of childhood to less settled times.
• For miles...'

  Suggests she is constantly accompanied by/can never shake off these expressions.
• The way I say things when I think'

  Highlights the fact that she sees these expressions as a fundamental part of herself.
• Nothing is silent. Nothing is not silent'

  Striking use of contrast to suggest the constant nature of her thoughts about her mother's words.
• What like is it'

  Repetition at the end of the stanza emphasises the reassuring nature of her mother's words which stay with her as she leaves home.
• Only tonight...'

  Placement of 'only' as a conjunction at the start of the verse suggests a negative aspect to her reflections.
• Happy and sad'

  Juxtaposition highlights an internal conflict/uncertainty about her situation.
• "Like a child'

  Simile suggests feelings of vulnerability/fragility but also excitement/curiosity.
• The end of summer'

  Evocative description creates a poignant mood/sense of loss, indicating her awareness of changes to come.
• Dipped a net'

  Echos the expression 'dipping a toe in water' suggesting her anxiety and/or excitement at changing circumstances.
• ...green erotic pond'

  Striking image combining childhood and adulthood suggests apprehension about her developing sexual awareness.
• The day and ever' (S3)

  Repetition highlights the comfort/reassurance she finds in her mother's words.
• Homesick, free and in love'

  List of feelings emphasises confusion/overwhelming nature of establishing self-identity.