"My Papa's Waltz" by Theodore Roethke (Favorite Poem Project)

[@bimplerouge9389]

I like that a poem can be read and understood differently by any reader. We each bring our experience to a poem. I have always read this poem two ways, depending on my mood. Either as playful joy or with an underlining of pain. Either reading brings me pleasure.

[@lakewalker11]

I've always loved this poem. I have always seen it as an expression of love by the boy for his father. I agree with your analysis completely.

[@ZOOTSUITBEATNICK1]

My major prof in college, A. Wilbur Stevens, introduced me to Roethke's poetry and he's been a favorite os mine ever since. This poem brings back memories of a good time in my life...thanks.

[@Mew4U]

wow, that blew my mind. Completely changed the way I see the poem now.

[@maureenhart1779]

I also feel that this is a joyful poem. It evoked fond memories of my Dad I think the relationships we have determine the point of view with which we read poems like this one. I am new to poetry so I always doubt my ability to understand a poem thank you for validating my thoughts on this poem.

[@MysticMagickery]

I completely agree! I just loved your vision I as well felt this poem to be something of happy nostalgia 💜

[@laurencestephenson1093]

Thank you for this, it helped me analyze the poem differently. Y'all are doing great things

[@sergiolara1857]

We analyzed this poem in class. For some reason it evokes deep feelings of nostalgia in me !

[@Phoenix-np1iu]

I see it as both. The father and the son loved each other and had joyful moments together, but the father also had a temper and took his failings out on the boy. But also the father is trying. and the circles might by cycles

[@sarahlietz9145]

It never even occurred to me that this poem could have a negative tone. I'm shocked to discover that that is a common interpretation!

[@shabirmagami146]

❤❤❤

[@whoisbhauji]

Thanks! I had only one person in the family who showed physical affection (and he enjoyed life by small habits too). any act can come to be seen as lustful - but if it doesn't degenerate to that, these acts are 'required'!

[@readmelancholystrumpetmaster]

Oh, Christ, this guy would be thrown in jail today.

[@John-xz9ur]

He said it was about his dad watering his roses at night. His father would walk in with rain boots on and young Theodore, would stand on top of his boots as his father whistled a song. He even states that he fibbed a bit and that his father’s hands were never caked with dirt.