Imitations

This poem is about a relationship between a father and son, and how this changes over time and the way this relationship forces the father to look back at the similar relationship he had with his father, and the way sons are just imitations of their dads, similar impressions. 

Stanza 1:

• 'this' showing it is about a specific time with his son. 
• 'this afternoon room' in between light and dark, hope and darkness links to the transition of growing up. 
• 'the other side of the glass' suggests an invisible barrier of age seperating him from his son, or possibly him from the past. Also seperates room from the cold 'snowflakes' outside, allowing you to see but protect like a father. 
• 'whitewash' creates a clean blank slate suggesting new beginings when everything looks pure and fresh and clean, like at the beginning of adultood. 
• 'surprised april' shows snow at this time is unusual, possibly linking to his son growing up being a shock to him, he still sees him as young.
• 'an approximate man' shows he is on the cusp of adulthood.
• 'chameleon' suggests he is easily infuenced and can be lead astry as well as suggesting he is adapting to fit into society. 
• 'my soft diamond' is an oxymoron suggesting he as seen as both a hard strong man, and his son, vulnerable and pure. May suggest he is not quite formed/ready. 
• 'deciduous evergreen' suggests his son is growing up, childhood is falling away and he is changing, but he will always be the same person to his dad.
• 'my' shows his attachment, has a need to own and feel like a dad. 

Stanza 2:

• 'eyes half closed' links to the idea of transitions, doesnt have a complete view of life yet, still needs to experience things. Also could suggest he is half thinking about what he dreams to be and reality. 
• 'pop forgeries' shows popular culture at the time, that his dad doesnt understand.
• 'dreams of some juliet i dont know' old enough to have his own life that is purely the fantasy of his father, who speculates, possibly reliving his youth through him. 
• 'sky half blue' reiterates transition.
• 'a blur of white blossom' may suggest innocence rushing past you being lost, or not having the time or being about to get a good look at his sons life. 
• 'bendy window' suggests his sons impressionability, or suggest trying hard to understand/ see him. 
• 'gusting suddenly' change is a shock to him'.

Stanza 3:

• 'immortal springtime' is a paradox which could show times never really change although the seasons do, it is a cycle of fathers and sons. Everyone goes through it. 
• 'the age my cool son is' youth is cool, wishes to be young and cool again. 
• 'my father alive again' shows he is reminiscing. 
• 'i his duplicate' suggests you are the same as your dad, immortal like spring. 
• 'his high breath, my low breath' shows how age is the only change. 
• 'sticking to the glass' suggests it is caught by the barrier of age, cant get completely close, or this barrier seperates you from memories. 
• 'two white butterflies stumble' past is untouched and clear as you look at it, at the innocence and purity, ignorance or youth. Could symbolise those who have died, like his relationship with his father. adolescence is a 'stumble'
• 'held each to each' 'elastic' suggests an immortal bond between father and son, they can stretch apart but will always be attatched. 
• 'pass' may suggest it was a daydream and now it's back to reality or he and his son will move on but their relationship will continue. 

Links:

• 'dockery and son' past and memories, the accessablity of time. 
• 'broadcast' music reigniting memories/relationships.
• 'reference back' looking back at dead.