living space

• 'living space'


  title is ironic as there isn't much living space at all
• 'not enough straight lines'


  metaphor for the fragility of their lives in the slums
• 'that is the problem'


  enjambment and caesura reflective of the struggle
• 'beams balance crookedly on support'


  emphasises lack of support they have, and literal meaning the buildings are not supported, showing the danger
• 'nails clutch at open seams'


  connotations of desperation, people are barely surviving
• 'leans dangerously towards the miraculous'


  its a miracle that the dangerous homes are still standing, religious link
• 'someone has squeezed a living space'


  literal meaning as the stanza has been squeezed in the middle
• 'even dared to place'


  their lives aren't secured, they have to fight for what they need
• 'these eggs in a wire basket'


  connotations of fragility, family and caution
• 'white hung over the dark edge'


  light and dark imagery shows they still have hope through the desperation
• 'gathering light into themselves' 


  have to instill hope in themselves to break the cycle
• 'bright thin walls of faith'


  questioning faith due to their circumstances