eread this poem by Peace Corps volunteer Christopher Knapp.

Question

Sacred
You took my hand one time only:
at our parting, which surprised you.
After thousands of words and hundreds of meals
had passed, you put my hand in yours, one time.

Your hand was sandpaper, callused and rough,
fingers fixed to curl around a plow,
nails caked with dirt from morning prayers.
It felt like home against mine.

You took my hand one time only,
before I caught the bus to leave Kornaka.
You took my hand and said "my son,
remember the telephone
is sacred."

Analyze this poem's use of line breaks. (Which line breaks are most important, and what is their effect on readers?)

Answer 1

In Christopher Knapp's poem "Sacred," the use of line breaks serves several important functions that enhance the poem's emotional depth and thematic resonance. Below are some observations about key line breaks and their effects on the reader:

1. Emphasis on Isolation and Connection: The first line, “You took my hand one time only,” is followed by a line break that isolates the phrase, “at our parting, which surprised you.” This separation emphasizes the rarity and significance of the moment. The reader feels the weight of the parting, highlighting how meaningful this singular connection was amidst the countless interactions that preceded it.

2. Imagery and Texture: The line “Your hand was sandpaper, callused and rough,” is another pivotal line break. Here, the break before “callused and rough” draws attention to the tactile imagery of the hand. By creating a pause, it allows the reader time to visualize and feel the texture, deepening the understanding of the speaker's connection to the labor and life of the other person. This also contrasts with the softness of the speaker's own hand, enhancing the theme of different experiences and backgrounds.

3. Building Emotion: The repetition of “You took my hand one time only” at the beginning and then again later in the poem creates a refrain-like structure. This repetition, spaced by the line breaks, builds emotional intensity. The reader realizes it is a moment of both closeness and finality, resonating with feelings of longing and loss.

4. Shift in Focus: The line break before the speaker’s recollection of what was said—“remember the telephone / is sacred”—shifts the focus from the physical act of holding hands to the profound message conveyed. This break emphasizes the importance of communication and connection, tying back to the larger themes of human relationships and cultural exchanges. The abruptness of this break mirrors the suddenness of realization, reinforcing its weight.

5. Creating a Breath: The line breaks often function to create pauses in the reading, allowing the reader to absorb the gravity of what has transpired. For example, the break after “my son,” invites reflection on the intimacy of that address. It invokes a paternal or deeply personal relationship, creating a moment of pause for the reader to contemplate the emotional implications behind that familial term.

Overall, the line breaks in "Sacred" are carefully crafted to enhance the poem's themes of connection, departure, and the significance of communication. By manipulating pacing and focus through breaks, Knapp guides the reader through layers of meaning and emotion, making the experience deeply resonant.