The Waltz and Spring divided by poetic expresions
Writers often devote a poem to their childhood, since every author has experienced this in a different way the poems about this topic can be written in various tones and styles.
‘In-Just’ by Cummings and ‘My Papa’s Waltz’ by Roethke both describe a memory of the speaker’s childhood, although Cummings ‘In-Just’ illustrates a positive memory ,whereas, Roethke’s description is rather negative. This difference in meaning between the two poems is created by the different use of poetic expressions. Firstly, the difference in forms of figurative language. Furthermore, the metre and rhythm of the two poems differ significantly from one other. Thirdly, the use of tone throughout the poems. Lastly, the use of perspective in both poems. Although the writers used the same poetic expressions, they both use these expressions in their own way which creates the contrast between the two poems.

The poems contain different forms of figurative language. Whereas the poem ‘In-Just’ by E.E. Cummings does not contain a real form of figurative language, instead it includes various examples of alliteration, the poem of Roethke contains similes as well as metaphors. For example, in line three of ‘My Papa’s Waltz’ the author uses the simile ;”But I hung on like death:”(3), this simile is used by the author to set the atmosphere for the rest of the poem. Death is a simile showing how hard the boy needs to work to hang on to his drunken father. The other author uses the alliteration to create a playful ambiance. A good example of the use of alliteration is when the speaker states; “luscious the little/ lame balloonman”(3-4). The author uses alliteration throughout the poem because it contributes to the joyful tone. Due to the use of multiple adjectives it looks like the sentences are really structure by a child. These example show