Reflections

Question

by Elise Deere

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 inference about the speaker's father is supported by the details in the poem.

A.
He has a lot of jobs.

B.
He has a lot of courage.

C.
He is the leader of the family.

D.
He is the wisest member of the family.
Multiple Choice Question
Part B:

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

A.
"Our family's standard bearer"

B.
"My, they are wise!"

C.
Eyes that say "Carry on. Protect your own."

D.
"Whose lessons passed down from the elders"

Answer 1

Part A: C. He is the leader of the family.

Part B: A. "Our family's standard bearer"