Interpreting+Meaning

Interpreting Meaning Read the poem “My Papa’s Waltz” by Theodore Roetike. In at least one paragraph, explain what you think the poem means. Make sure you use evidence from the poem to support your perspective. Which image do you believe best fits your interpretation of the poem? Why?

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"My Papa's Waltz" by Theodore Roethke The whiskey on your breath Could make a small boy dizzy;8 But I hung on like death: Such waltzing was not easy. We romped until the pans Slid from the kitchen shelf; My mother’s countenance Could not unfrown itself. The hand that held my wrist Was battered on one knuckle; At every step you missed My right ear scraped a buckle. You beat time on my head With a palm caked hard by dirt, Then waltzed me off to bed Still clinging to your shirt.