Empty Nest

Question

A. Gautam

Just yesterday I watched you in the car seat
Daddy drove five miles per hour for half hour
And my heart jumped at every mild bump on the road
You were home, but you had already been in our hearts
5 Just yesterday you took your wobbly steps
One hand holding mine and another holding daddy’s
In the neighborhood park we watched you run
As the sun set and the moon came
You our star, with sweaty palms and muddy knees
10 Buried us in your embrace
Just yesterday you fell from your bike but rose again
And took off in the cul-de-sac
Every risky turn made my stomach churn
Now you come up to my chin and daddy’s shoulder
15 Our grays as you gain strength but we are weaker, older
I want to sit with you in the back seat
And daddy to drive five miles per hour to your college
Hold you forever before you leave

Question
Which statement best describes how the structures of “Empty Nest” and “Lean on you, lean on me” contribute to their meaning?
Responses
A In both poems, the speaker’s emotions are expressed through dialogue and conversation.In both poems, the speaker’s emotions are expressed through dialogue and conversation.
B In both poems, the speaker addresses her feelings and conflicts about one family member. In both poems, the speaker addresses her feelings and conflicts about one family member.
C In both poems, the speaker expresses a change that nobody else notices in each stanza. In both poems, the speaker expresses a change that nobody else notices in each stanza.
D In both poems, the speaker’s observations and feelings expressed through narration reveal strong emotions. In both poems, the speaker’s observations and feelings expressed through narration reveal strong emotions.

Answer 1

The best statement that describes how the structures of "Empty Nest" and "Lean on you, lean on me" contribute to their meaning is:

D In both poems, the speaker’s observations and feelings expressed through narration reveal strong emotions.

This answer highlights how the narrative structure in both poems allows the speaker to convey deep feelings and reflections about their experiences, which plays a crucial role in emphasizing the themes of love, change, and emotional connections within families.