The Shoulders That Carried Me

Abstract

The poem is a reflection of the importance of human relationships, support and gratitude in the life of an individual from birth to death. It challenges the concept of personal achievement as an isolated event, and reminds readers that all of these phases of life are connected to others. The poem progresses suitably through the differing ages and phases of childhood, youth, partnership, working life, parenthood, and old age and demonstrates the role of the parent, the friend, the partner, the colleague and the child contributing to an individual's development and identity. Recurrent images of roots, hands, shared journeys and shoulders give emphasis to the notion that no one can succeed alone. The relationships formed with others are significant even as people grow older and dieseke, when personal pride is not as important. Finally, the poem offers a moral and emotional substitutes for ego and self-glorification in the face of thanks. The core message is that life is inherently interdependent: things are achieved together, the strength is gained from others and caring is shared and returned over time. The poem inspires you not to take things for granted or magnify the idea of “I alone”, but promotes interdependence of, through and for each other – the basis of a meaningful life. It comes to the conclusion that the most important thing a person can do will not be glory to himself/herself but the recognition, value and honouring of all the hands that make life possible.