The
referenced poem, Smalltown Dance by has several metaphors. The poem
features a sheet €“ or the operation of folding it €“ which it describes as a dance. The dance
begins with arms wide: together: again: two forward steps: hands meet and the reader can just
imagine the steps of the dance and at the end spread arms: then close them leaves the reader
with no illusions as the dance ends.
There is definite confusion within the
poem and the poet is conflicted. The sheets are referred to as high-scented walls in the
second verse but "they wrapped and comforted bringing an element ofbut only briefly as we
return to the clean corridors of hiding. Furthermore,€¦ "saying, Your sins too are made
Monday-new is personification as the sky €“ the roof with blue- encourages what is
apparently a child - to "see ahead. This figurative language gives the second verse a
reminiscent quality, remembering a world of possibilities when there is still a change to
"run,run!".
Life, however, develops a fence and opportunities
to get out are few. The sheets are representative of the effort to get away as they struggle
from the peg but do not travel far. Life restricts the womens movement but there is no money
for travel and where danger lies personifies danger as if it is tangible and more than just a
possibility so it is better to keep things orderly.
The use ofin the last
verse does give closure to any thought of those beckoning roads. Closing the cupboard door is
significant as dreams must remain dreams and reality returns.
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