Poetic Devices in "Behind Mama's House"

"Behind Mama's House" is a poem that explores the themes of nostalgia, family, and memory. Written by acclaimed poet Marita Golden, this piece is rich with poetic devices that enhance the beauty and emotional impact of the poem. In this essay, we will analyze the various poetic devices used in "Behind Mama's House" and discuss how they contribute to the overall meaning and effectiveness of the poem.

Imagery

One of the most striking poetic devices in "Behind Mama's House" is the use of vivid imagery. Golden paints a detailed picture of the speaker's childhood home, using sensory details to evoke a strong sense of nostalgia and longing. For example, the poem opens with the lines "The honeysuckle vines twisting, / the way we twisted them, / to swing on, to wear as crowns." These lines create a vivid image of the honeysuckle vines and the speaker's playful interaction with them. The use of imagery throughout the poem helps to transport the reader to the setting of the speaker's memories, making the emotions and experiences more tangible and real.

Metaphor

Golden also employs metaphor to convey the complex emotions and themes present in the poem. One notable metaphor in the poem is the comparison of the "branches of the cherry tree" to "our lives." This metaphorical comparison suggests that the cherry tree, with its twisting and reaching branches, represents the interconnectedness and growth of the speaker's family over time. The use of metaphor adds depth and complexity to the poem, allowing the reader to interpret the speaker's experiences in a more nuanced and symbolic way.

Repetition

The use of repetition is another powerful poetic device in "Behind Mama's House." Throughout the poem, Golden repeats the phrase "behind Mama's house" to create a sense of rhythm and emphasis. This repetition serves to anchor the poem in a specific location, reinforcing the idea that the speaker's memories are deeply rooted in this place. Additionally, the repetition of this phrase creates a feeling of nostalgia and longing, as the speaker reflects on the significance of this setting in their life.

Alliteration

Golden incorporates alliteration in several lines of the poem, adding a musical quality to the language and drawing attention to specific words and phrases. For example, the line "The honeysuckle vines twisting" features the repeated "t" sound, creating a sense of movement and energy in the description of the vines. Alliteration is also used in the line "sweet smell of slow-roasting meat," where the repeated "s" sound emphasizes the sensory experience of the cooking food. By employing alliteration, Golden enhances the musicality and impact of the poem, drawing the reader's attention to key images and ideas.

Enjambment

The use of enjambment is another notable poetic device in "Behind Mama's House." Golden frequently employs enjambment to carry the reader from one line to the next without a pause, creating a sense of fluidity and continuity in the poem. This technique is particularly effective in conveying the speaker's stream of consciousness as they reminisce about their childhood. The use of enjambment also contributes to the overall rhythm and flow of the poem, adding a sense of movement and momentum to the language.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Behind Mama's House" is a poem rich with poetic devices that enhance its emotional impact and thematic depth. Through the use of imagery, metaphor, repetition, alliteration, and enjambment, Marita Golden creates a vivid and evocative portrayal of the speaker's memories and experiences. These poetic devices not only enrich the language and imagery of the poem but also contribute to its overall meaning and effectiveness. "Behind Mama's House" stands as a powerful example of how the skillful use of poetic devices can elevate a poem and resonate with readers on a profound level.