living space

• "the whole structure leans dangerously towards the miraculous"


   'dangerously' and 'miraculous'

  • juxtaposition of negative and positive; a change from danger and hardship to the idea of aspiring towards ‘…the miraculous.’
  • This introduces the poet’s own feelings, her admiration for their resilience.
  • gives a sense of hope
• "someone has squeezed a living space"


  'squeezed'

  • hints to overcrowding in the area
  • suggests that the living space is cramped, constricted, or limited.

  'living space'

  •  emphasizes that this is where people reside, highlighting the struggle for survival.
• "someone has squeezed a living space"

  • symbolizes the resilience and resourcefulness of those living in poverty.
  • The act of “squeezing” implies determination, adaptability, and the human spirit’s ability to find hope even in adverse conditions.
  • suggests that the problem isn’t just about individual choices but also about systemic challenges.
  • People are forced to make do with limited resources, and their living spaces reflect this struggle.
• "fragile curves of white hung over the dark edge"


  'curves of white'

  • refers to the eggs
  • eggs symbolise new beginnings, hope and life
  • eggs represent the miracle of existence within adversity.
  • represents purity and innocence

   'dark edge'

  • represents danger, uncertainty, and the precariousness of life in the slums.

  'hung out'

  • implies that these eggs are placed intentionally, perhaps as an act of faith or defiance.
• "thin walls of faith"

  • The juxtaposition of fragility (eggshells) and faith (walls) underscores the paradox of existence in the slums.
  • positive yet implies fragility - faith could be similar to egg shell(easy to break)
  • Faith is often intangible, yet it provides a sense of security and hope.
  • Just as the eggs hang over the edge, faith teeters on the brink of uncertainty.
  • The act of placing the eggs represents an act of faith, defying the odds.