For Oom Piet – Dinuala Dowling
IEB 2025
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.
, - This line introduces a moment of personal low,
capturing a sense of melancholy or despair.
- The speaker is reflecting on a time when they were at
their most unhappy, which sets the tone of vulnerability
for the rest of the passage.
When I was least happy in - The phrase "least happy" highlights the depth of the
life speaker's emotional state, emphasizing how profound
their unhappiness was.
- The figure of speech here is understatement, as the
speaker doesn't describe the degree of unhappiness
explicitly but suggests it was significant by using
"least happy."
- This line illustrates a pivotal moment where the
speaker's daughter plays a guiding role, physically and
metaphorically leading them through a difficult time.
my daughter led me across - The act of being "led across the road" symbolizes
the road crossing a boundary or transition, suggesting that the
speaker is being guided toward something new, away
from their unhappiness.
- The imagery of crossing the road often implies a shift
in perspective or a step into the unknown.
- The phrase "led me" also conveys the idea of dependence,
with the daughter offering support during a time of
need.
- This line indicates that the speaker is being led into
unfamiliar territory, both physically and emotionally.
- The mention of a "neighbour whom I did not know" adds
a sense of alienation, underscoring the speaker’s
to a neighbour whom I did detachment from their surroundings.
not know - This unfamiliarity could mirror the speaker’s emotional
isolation. The use of "whom" is formal and
grammatically precise, showing the speaker’s careful
reflection and perhaps a hint of distance or emotional
detachment.
- The phrase "with the purpose of a toddler" introduces
an image of innocence and unfiltered intent.
- Toddlers are known for acting impulsively and with
simple goals, such as exploring or seeking comfort.
with the purpose of a - This line contrasts with the previous feeling of
toddler unhappiness by suggesting that the speaker's journey is
motivated by something pure and uncomplicated, akin
to a child’s curiosity.
- The phrase also sets up the theme of simplicity,
reinforcing the idea that the daughter’s act of leading
the speaker might not have complex motives, just a
natural desire to help.
IEB 2025
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.
, - This line introduces a moment of personal low,
capturing a sense of melancholy or despair.
- The speaker is reflecting on a time when they were at
their most unhappy, which sets the tone of vulnerability
for the rest of the passage.
When I was least happy in - The phrase "least happy" highlights the depth of the
life speaker's emotional state, emphasizing how profound
their unhappiness was.
- The figure of speech here is understatement, as the
speaker doesn't describe the degree of unhappiness
explicitly but suggests it was significant by using
"least happy."
- This line illustrates a pivotal moment where the
speaker's daughter plays a guiding role, physically and
metaphorically leading them through a difficult time.
my daughter led me across - The act of being "led across the road" symbolizes
the road crossing a boundary or transition, suggesting that the
speaker is being guided toward something new, away
from their unhappiness.
- The imagery of crossing the road often implies a shift
in perspective or a step into the unknown.
- The phrase "led me" also conveys the idea of dependence,
with the daughter offering support during a time of
need.
- This line indicates that the speaker is being led into
unfamiliar territory, both physically and emotionally.
- The mention of a "neighbour whom I did not know" adds
a sense of alienation, underscoring the speaker’s
to a neighbour whom I did detachment from their surroundings.
not know - This unfamiliarity could mirror the speaker’s emotional
isolation. The use of "whom" is formal and
grammatically precise, showing the speaker’s careful
reflection and perhaps a hint of distance or emotional
detachment.
- The phrase "with the purpose of a toddler" introduces
an image of innocence and unfiltered intent.
- Toddlers are known for acting impulsively and with
simple goals, such as exploring or seeking comfort.
with the purpose of a - This line contrasts with the previous feeling of
toddler unhappiness by suggesting that the speaker's journey is
motivated by something pure and uncomplicated, akin
to a child’s curiosity.
- The phrase also sets up the theme of simplicity,
reinforcing the idea that the daughter’s act of leading
the speaker might not have complex motives, just a
natural desire to help.
