“I don't want to because boys don't write poetry. Girls do.”
This quote refers to the gender stereotypes and expectations that society places on boys and girls. The narrator is a boy who is scared to write a poem because he believes poetry is only for girls. He explains his uncertainty with the idea of a poem about a red wheelbarrow and white hens, as well as his conclusion that any words, as long as the lines are short, can be a poem. This remark expresses the belief that boys are not supposed to be creative or express themselves via art, which is frequently considered a female profession. It also suggests that the narrator's reluctance to write a poem is due to the fear of not being taken seriously or judged for going against traditional gender roles.
“Sometimes when you are trying not to think about something it keeps popping back in your head you can't help it you think about it and think about it and think about it until your brain feels like a squashed pea.”
This quote discusses the difficulty of consciously avoiding something that is on one's mind. It depicts the idea that even when we try to put something out of our minds, it returns, and we find ourselves constantly thinking about it. This quotation also emphasizes the irritation and tiredness that can accompany this type of mental process, implying that it can be so overwhelming that one's head feels like a "squashed pea." This statement can be used to examine the difficulties of attempting to control one's thoughts, as well as the significance of taking breaks and finding healthy strategies to prevent becoming overwhelmed by one's mental processes.
“I guess you can put it on the board if you want to but don’t put my name on it in case other people think it’s not a poem.”
This quote explores the conflict between the desire to be seen and acknowledged for one's effort and the fear of censure and rejection. The speaker is afraid to post their work on the board because they are concerned that others will not recognize it as poetry and would judge them harshly. They recognize that when their work is typed out, it seems more like a poem, and they like the yellow dog picture that was placed underneath it. However, the speaker expresses discontent with the image, pointing out that it does not resemble their yellow dog. This is a metaphor for the speaker's anxiety about having their work appraised and rejected for what it is. The speaker is asking why someone would want to type up their work, showing their vulnerability and need for validation.
“I think Mr. Robert Frost has a little too much time on his hands.”
The quote is a criticism of the work of Robert Frost, a well-known American poet of the twentieth century. It implies that Frost has far too much free time and that his job is not as meaningful or innovative as it appears. This could be read as a criticism of Frost's writing style and approach, as he frequently used simple language and images to convey complicated ideas. It could also be seen as a critique of the time's culture, which may have prioritized certain kinds of expression over others. The remark also implies that his reputation may be unwarranted, as other, more deserving poets' work may be disregarded.
