Mother Any Distance - Simon Armitage

Mother Any Distance - Simon Armitage

1. "Mother"

   • Addresses her directly to make it more personal

2. "acres...prairies" (metaphor/hyperbole)

   • It creates an image of vast, open spaces

3. "You at the zero-end"

   • Holding the start of the tape
     • Could stand for the time when he was born

4. "Anchor. Kite

   • He's a kit starting to fly
   • The 'anchor' is his mother who still keeps him secure
   • He feels apprehensive and thoughtful

5. "I space-walk" (space metaphor)

   • Reflects how he feels about being on his own

6. "breaking point, where something has to give"

   • Their relationship needs to change

7. "your fingertips still pinch"

   • She desperately doesn't want to let go of him

8. "to fall or fly" (bird imagery)

   • Suggests he's breaking free but doesn't know if he'll succeed without her