FOR OOM PIET
BY FINUALA DOWLING
, 1
Contents
title.................................................................................................................................................................................3
Tone:...............................................................................................................................................................................3
Mood:..............................................................................................................................................................................3
Structure:........................................................................................................................................................................3
Message:.........................................................................................................................................................................3
Juxtaposition...................................................................................................................................................................5
Simile...............................................................................................................................................................................5
Repetition........................................................................................................................................................................5
Metaphor........................................................................................................................................................................5
Personification................................................................................................................................................................5
Stanzas............................................................................................................................................................................8
Stanza 1 (Lines 1 to 7):................................................................................................................................................8
Stanza 2 (Lines 8 to 15):..............................................................................................................................................8
Stanza 3 (Lines 16 to 23):............................................................................................................................................8
Stanza 4 (Lines 23 to 25):............................................................................................................................................8
SAMMARRY.....................................................................................................................................................................9
Questions......................................................................................................................................................................11
Answers.........................................................................................................................................................................12
, 2
FOR OOM PIET
BY FINUALA DOWLING
When I was least happy in life
my daughter led me across the road
to a neighbour whom I did not know
with the purpose of a toddler
who does not see gates and fences
but the ducks and puppies
on the other side.
You spoke to me in the same low murmuring tones
you used for lame horses and bilious dogs.
Crops, flowers and poultry were our theme:
you made me tea and wiped the counter,
you said ‘”Foeitog” and “I don’t hope so.”
You guessed.
You told me I was beautiful,
in the courtly way of an old man. One day when it rained
you phoned from your side and said
“I’m sending some ducks for Beatrix”
– you always called her “Beatrix” –
out the window we saw them,
waddling over,
in the way of ducks
when directed by Oom Piet.
You moved and I moved, but one thing stays:
the sense of a rescue, somehow being saved.
, 3
TITLE
The title "Oom Piet" holds significance and provides some context to the poem:
Cultural Context: "Oom Piet" translates to "Uncle Piet" in Afrikaans. The title suggests a connection to
Afrikaans culture and points to the possible setting of the poem.
Personal Connection: The use of "Oom" (Uncle) in the title hints at a close and affectionate relationship
between the speaker and the neighbor, Piet. It implies that the speaker regards Piet with respect and
warmth.
Character Focus: The title puts the focus on Piet as a central character in the poem, implying that he plays
a crucial role in the speaker's life and in the narrative.
Informal Tone: The use of the term "Oom" adds an informal and personal touch to the title, making it
more endearing and intimate.
The title "Oom Piet" offers cultural context, highlights the connection between the speaker and the
neighbor, and sets the stage for exploring the role of "Oom Piet" in the poem's themes and messages.
TONE:
The tone of the poem is reflective and nostalgic, as the speaker recounts a past experience that had a
significant impact on their life.
There is a sense of vulnerability and honesty in the speaker's recollections of their unhappiest moments
and the subsequent encounter with the neighbor.
The overall tone is warm and tender, conveyed through the interactions with the neighbor, the
daughter's influence, and the atmosphere of comfort and care.
MOOD:
The mood of the poem is a combination of melancholy and hopefulness.
The initial reference to the speaker's least happy time in life sets a somber tone.
However, as the poem progresses, the mood shifts towards hope and comfort, mainly through the
interactions with the neighbor and the daughter's innocence.
The gesture of sending ducks for the daughter adds a touch of joy and affection, enhancing the mood of
the poem.
STRUCTURE:
The poem consists of four stanzas with varying line lengths, creating an irregular structure that reflects
the organic flow of memory and emotion.
The shorter lines contribute to a more conversational and intimate atmosphere, while the stanza breaks
allow for moments of pause and reflection.
The irregular structure also emphasizes the spontaneity and genuine nature of the encounter with the
neighbor.
MESSAGE:
BY FINUALA DOWLING
, 1
Contents
title.................................................................................................................................................................................3
Tone:...............................................................................................................................................................................3
Mood:..............................................................................................................................................................................3
Structure:........................................................................................................................................................................3
Message:.........................................................................................................................................................................3
Juxtaposition...................................................................................................................................................................5
Simile...............................................................................................................................................................................5
Repetition........................................................................................................................................................................5
Metaphor........................................................................................................................................................................5
Personification................................................................................................................................................................5
Stanzas............................................................................................................................................................................8
Stanza 1 (Lines 1 to 7):................................................................................................................................................8
Stanza 2 (Lines 8 to 15):..............................................................................................................................................8
Stanza 3 (Lines 16 to 23):............................................................................................................................................8
Stanza 4 (Lines 23 to 25):............................................................................................................................................8
SAMMARRY.....................................................................................................................................................................9
Questions......................................................................................................................................................................11
Answers.........................................................................................................................................................................12
, 2
FOR OOM PIET
BY FINUALA DOWLING
When I was least happy in life
my daughter led me across the road
to a neighbour whom I did not know
with the purpose of a toddler
who does not see gates and fences
but the ducks and puppies
on the other side.
You spoke to me in the same low murmuring tones
you used for lame horses and bilious dogs.
Crops, flowers and poultry were our theme:
you made me tea and wiped the counter,
you said ‘”Foeitog” and “I don’t hope so.”
You guessed.
You told me I was beautiful,
in the courtly way of an old man. One day when it rained
you phoned from your side and said
“I’m sending some ducks for Beatrix”
– you always called her “Beatrix” –
out the window we saw them,
waddling over,
in the way of ducks
when directed by Oom Piet.
You moved and I moved, but one thing stays:
the sense of a rescue, somehow being saved.
, 3
TITLE
The title "Oom Piet" holds significance and provides some context to the poem:
Cultural Context: "Oom Piet" translates to "Uncle Piet" in Afrikaans. The title suggests a connection to
Afrikaans culture and points to the possible setting of the poem.
Personal Connection: The use of "Oom" (Uncle) in the title hints at a close and affectionate relationship
between the speaker and the neighbor, Piet. It implies that the speaker regards Piet with respect and
warmth.
Character Focus: The title puts the focus on Piet as a central character in the poem, implying that he plays
a crucial role in the speaker's life and in the narrative.
Informal Tone: The use of the term "Oom" adds an informal and personal touch to the title, making it
more endearing and intimate.
The title "Oom Piet" offers cultural context, highlights the connection between the speaker and the
neighbor, and sets the stage for exploring the role of "Oom Piet" in the poem's themes and messages.
TONE:
The tone of the poem is reflective and nostalgic, as the speaker recounts a past experience that had a
significant impact on their life.
There is a sense of vulnerability and honesty in the speaker's recollections of their unhappiest moments
and the subsequent encounter with the neighbor.
The overall tone is warm and tender, conveyed through the interactions with the neighbor, the
daughter's influence, and the atmosphere of comfort and care.
MOOD:
The mood of the poem is a combination of melancholy and hopefulness.
The initial reference to the speaker's least happy time in life sets a somber tone.
However, as the poem progresses, the mood shifts towards hope and comfort, mainly through the
interactions with the neighbor and the daughter's innocence.
The gesture of sending ducks for the daughter adds a touch of joy and affection, enhancing the mood of
the poem.
STRUCTURE:
The poem consists of four stanzas with varying line lengths, creating an irregular structure that reflects
the organic flow of memory and emotion.
The shorter lines contribute to a more conversational and intimate atmosphere, while the stanza breaks
allow for moments of pause and reflection.
The irregular structure also emphasizes the spontaneity and genuine nature of the encounter with the
neighbor.
MESSAGE:
