The Way My Mother Speaks

• What does the speaker say to herself in the poem?

  Her mother's phrases
• What does the word choice in the poem emphasize about the speaker?

  Her isolation from her family
• How does enjambment contribute to the poem's theme?

  It shows the speaker's isolation
• What does the contrast in the poem reflect about the speaker's feelings?

  Her confused feelings about the journey
• What do the connotations of anxiety in the poem suggest about the speaker?

  She is scared about leaving home
• What does the repetition of short sentences in the poem signify?

  It creates a calming rhythm
• What does the train symbolize in the poem?

  A journey of self-discovery
• How does the word choice regarding the sky contribute to the poem's mood?

  It suggests relaxation and happiness
• What does the metaphor about finding the right sky imply?

  The speaker is searching for her identity
• What does the contrast in the poem suggest about the speaker's transition?

  From childhood to adulthood
• What phrase does the speaker repeat to herself during the journey?

  What like is it
• What does the double negative in the poem signify?

  The speaker's memories still influence her
• How do the contradictory emotions in the poem reflect the speaker's state?

  She feels nostalgic yet excited
• What does the simile about the child at summer's end convey?

  Excitement and trepidation about adulthood
• What does the metaphor about the pond represent?

  The end of childhood and beginning of adulthood
• How does the word choice regarding homesickness contribute to the poem's theme?

  It emphasizes the speaker's connection to her mother
• What does the repetition of "The day and ever" signify in the poem?

  It connects back to the opening stanza
• What does the poem's ending convey about the speaker's feelings?

  She feels a positive connection to her mother