Lie back, daughter, let your head… by Anonymous

Read the poem below and attempt the practice questions given at the bottom.

Lie back, daughter, let your head.
Be lipped back in the cup of my hand
Gently and I will hold you. Spread.
Your arms wide lie out on the streams
And look high at the gulls.
A dead – man’s float his face down.
You will dive and swim enough where this tide water ebbs to sea.
Daughter, believe me, when you lie on the long thrash to your Island,
Lie up and survive as you float now,
Where I hold you and let go
Remember when fear cramps your heart what I told you:
Lie gently and wide to the light – year
Stars lie back and sea will hold you.

Practice Questions and Answers

a) Explain what the poem is about.
A parent who encourages his/her daughter not to be afraid of the sea. He/she holds/supports her first and later lets her on her own but encourages her not to swim on her own. When she senses some fear, she should lie on the water and she will float
OR
About a parent who encourages his/her daughter to be calm and strong when faced with life’s challenges. With determination and faith she will make it/achieve her goal.

b) Who is the persona in this poem?
A parent/guardian/an elderly person. (Lie back my daughter)

c) Describe two character traits of the persona
– Reassuring: (Daughter, believe me)
– Supportive: (– lie back and the sea will hold you)
– Encouraging/motivating/inspiring: (I will hold you)
– Optimistic: (Gently and I will hold you)

d) Identify and explain three stylistic devices employed in the poem.
– Repetition: (… lie back, daughter) – Stresses the encouragement of the persona
– Rhyme: (head/spread, fear/year) – Enhances rhythm musically and makes the poem memorable
– Symbolism: (Island) – Symbolizes the ultimate goal/life’s achievement; (Sea) – Symbolizes challenges in life/obstacles in life
– Metaphor: (the cup of my hand) – Place of safety

e) What is the tone of the poem?
Reassuring/encouraging/inspiring/optimistic (gently and I will hold you, Lie back and the sea will hold you)

f) Explain the meaning of the following words and phrases as used in the poem.

1. ebbs
2. When fear cramps your heart.
3. The sea will hold you.

1. Recedes/becomes weak
2. When fear grips you/attacks you/when you suddenly become fearful
3. You will be at home with it/comfortable/safe