Climbing My Grandfather

"Climbing My Grandfather" by Andrew Waterhouse

Context

• Andrew Waterhouse was a British poet, environmentalist, and musician. His poetry often reflects his keen observations of the natural world and personal relationships. "Climbing My Grandfather," from his 2000 collection "In," explores themes of family, memory, and nature. The poem portrays an intimate exploration of the speaker's relationship with his grandfather, symbolising a journey of understanding and connection.

The Poem

I decide to do it free, without a rope or net.

← Metaphor

First, the old brogues, dusty and cracked;

← Imagery

an easy scramble onto his trousers,

pushing into the weave, trying to get a grip.

By the overhanging shirt I change

direction, traverse along his belt

to an earth-stained hand. The nails

are splintered and give good purchase,

the skin of his finger is smooth and thick

← Simile

like warm ice. On his arm I discover

← Symbolism

the glassy ridge of a scar, place my feet

gently in the old stitches and move on.

At his still firm shoulder, I rest for a while

in the shade, not looking down,

for climbing has its dangers, then pull

myself up the loose skin of his neck

to a smiling mouth to drink among teeth.

Refreshed, I cross the screed cheek,

to stare into his brown eyes, watch a pupil

slowly open and close. Then up over

the forehead, the wrinkles well-spaced

and easy, to his thick hair (soft and white

at this altitude), reaching for the summit,

← Metaphor

where gasping for breath I can only lie

watching clouds and birds circle,

feeling his heat, knowing

the slow pulse of his good heart.

5 quotes + analysis to achieve a grade 9

1. Language Device = Metaphor. "I decide to do it free, without a rope or net."

• Analysis: The metaphor of climbing "free, without a rope or net" suggests taking risks and facing challenges directly. This reflects the speaker's willingness to engage deeply and personally with his grandfather's memories and life, trusting in their bond.

2. Language Device = Imagery. "First, the old brogues, dusty and cracked"

• Analysis: The detailed imagery of the "old brogues, dusty and cracked" evokes a sense of age and experience. This image sets the tone for the poem, suggesting that the grandfather has a rich history that the speaker is about to explore.

3. Language Device = Simile. "the skin of his finger is smooth and thick / like warm ice"

• Analysis: Comparing the skin to "warm ice" highlights its unique texture, suggesting both warmth and resilience. This simile captures the grandfather's enduring strength and the comforting, yet weathered, nature of his presence.

4. Language Device = Symbolism. "I discover / the glassy ridge of a scar"

• Analysis: The scar symbolises past experiences and hardships. Discovering the scar represents uncovering the grandfather's personal history and the marks that life has left on him, contributing to a deeper understanding and connection.

5. Language Device = Metaphor. "reaching for the summit, / where gasping for breath I can only lie / watching clouds and birds circle, / feeling his heat, knowing / the slow pulse of his good heart."

• Analysis: The summit metaphor symbolises the culmination of the speaker's journey of understanding and connection. The imagery of "gasping for breath" and "feeling his heat, knowing the slow pulse of his good heart" conveys a profound emotional climax, signifying the warmth and life at the heart of the grandfather's character.

Form & Structure Points to Mention for Top Grades

• Free Verse: The poem is written in free verse, lacking a consistent rhyme scheme or metre.
  • Effect: This form mirrors the natural and unstructured progression of the speaker's exploration of his grandfather, emphasising the organic process of understanding and connection.
• Enjambment: The use of enjambment creates a flowing, continuous rhythm throughout the poem.
  • Effect: This technique reflects the seamless journey of climbing and discovering, highlighting the ongoing nature of the relationship and exploration.
• Single Stanza: The poem is composed of a single stanza, symbolising an uninterrupted and cohesive journey.
  • Effect: This structure emphasises the continuous and immersive experience of the speaker as he climbs and connects with his grandfather.

Example Paragraph for a Grade 9 Answer:

In "Climbing My Grandfather," Andrew Waterhouse presents familial relationships through the extended metaphor of climbing a mountain, symbolising the speaker's exploration of his grandfather's life and memories. The poem opens with the speaker deciding to climb "free, without a rope or net," highlighting the personal and intimate nature of the journey. Detailed imagery, such as the "old brogues, dusty and cracked," and the "earth-stained hand" with "splintered nails," conveys a vivid sense of the grandfather's physical presence and his life of hard work. The metaphorical ascent continues as the speaker rests at the "still firm shoulder" and finds comfort at the "smiling mouth," emphasising the nurturing relationship. The climax of the poem is reached at the "summit," where the speaker lies "gasping for breath" and feeling the "slow pulse of his good heart," symbolising a profound emotional connection and understanding. Through these literary devices, Waterhouse effectively captures the depth and warmth of the familial bond, reflecting on the importance of appreciating and understanding our loved ones.