by Elise Deere

Question

The pond—one of my favorite spots,
where giant cottonwoods shimmer and sway.
A piece of driftwood’s hollowed-out knot
is where I’ll spend the day.

5 As I glide my hand in circles
over stones in the murky pool,
the sunlight plays
sparkling shades
of green, brown,
10 black, and blue.

As the water ripples further,
mimicking the sea,
I see my wavy self
staring back at me.

15 Who am I—in this fluid mirror?
I see my father’s broad shoulders—
our family’s standard bearer,
a keeper of our sorrows and joys,
traditions and voices.

20 More circles in the pond,
more ripples travel out.
My reflection emerges.
What is it about?

This time I see
25 my grandmother’s eyes.
My, they are wise!
I see my mother reflected, too.
Eyes that say, “Carry on.
Protect your own.
30 You are me,
are we,
are us
through and through.”

Intrigued by thoughts
35 flowing through my mind,
I dip my hand in the pond again.
What will I find?

In my reflection,
I see my grandfather’s kind yet noble face.
40 Whose lessons passed down from the elders
brought me to this current place.

Our path is not an easy one,
but we live it with integrity,
with courage
45 and a vital unity.

As the water settles and ripples disappear,
I see me.
And I understand.
It all becomes clear.

Two-Part Question
Multiple Choice Question
This question has two parts. First, answer Part A. Then, answer Part B.

Part A:

Which statement BEST summarizes the poem?

A.
The narrator wishes to spend the day alone so she can think.

B.
The narrator spends the day at the pond reflecting on her identity.

C.
The narrator talks by the pond about each of her family members.

D.
The narrator creates ripples in the pond which is her favorite place.
Multiple Choice Question
Part B:

Which phrase from the passage BEST supports your answer to Part A?

A.
"The pond–one of my favorite spots where giant cottonwoods shimmer and sway."

B.
"Who am I—in this fluid mirror? I see my father's broad shoulders"

C.
"More circles in the pond, more ripples travel out."

D.
"I dip my hand in the pond again. What will I find?"

Answer 1

Part A:

B. The narrator spends the day at the pond reflecting on her identity.

Part B:
B. "Who am I—in this fluid mirror? I see my father's broad shoulders" - This phrase shows the narrator reflecting on her identity and family members while looking at her reflection in the pond.