The Color of Thought

The poem Engine Work is filled with many of the aspects that we have learned so far. The consonants used to describe the father are more harsh or sharp - tools, cut stubble, pistons. The words used to describe mom, however, are softer - dense lace of hydrangea, helping us feel she is more gentle. I love the contrast with father deep in his car, the center of his world at this time, and she deep in her thoughts about the child he does not yet know exists. Not only do the words help shape our mental picture, but the description of what they are each doing confirms what we already know - men are more hands on and women are more emotional. In this lies the challenge to a happy relationship - finding the middle ground. We already start to envision what lies ahead for them as they soon move from a carefree life to that of adulthood and parenthood.