I See Myself in You: Perspective in "My Father in Heaven Is Reading Out Loud" Anonymous 10th Grade

As young kids we hold our parents to a supernatural standard, only to feel the same level of duty when we grow older and uphold the same mantel. In "My Father in Heaven Is Reading Out Loud," Li-Young Lee writes from a growing perception of his views towards his father “Because my father walked the earth with a grave determination and rhythm…”(Lee 386) thus creating the “superhero” role that most parents fill in a child’s mind. The time this piece was written displayed emotions of remorse, admiration, and discontent for many things Lee’s father did and how it affected his own life. In this piece, Lee's evolving perspective of his father displayed several emotions shifting from doubt to admiration.

The second stanza of the poem is where Lee addresses the remorse and admiration for his father and the effects that his father’s sacrifices have had on Lee’s life. For instance, Lee addresses his father’s enduring strength by writing “Because my father’s shoulders ached from the pulling of oars….” (Lee. 387) Oars are typically associated with movement and watery bodies. Lee’s father had the endurance and resilience to self-educate and work his way over to America during a time of conflict. . A similar story is shared by Barb-Fuller...