Comparison of "My Father's Song" and "My Papa's Waltz".

Family relationships are not always the loving embraces seen on the Disney Channel. Some can become more malicious, such as those seen on Fox. The poems "My Father's Song," by Simon J. Ortiz, and "My Papa's Waltz," by Theodore Roethke, are two similar poems written about a father and child relationship. The two poems are spoken from the child's point of view during a memorable event. As well as their similarities, these two poems have …

…a reflective tone, while "My Papa's Waltz" uses diction to convey a harsh, violent tone. "Song" suggests a gentle, positive image, whereas "Waltz" suggests a violent, negative image. In addition, "Song" uses figurative language to show the child's devotion to his father, while "Waltz" conveys the rough nature of the father. These two poems demonstrate that while most fathers are truly passionate and beneficial to their children, there are some that are not as virtuous.