Dear Readers,
In Home Ec. on Tuesday we made cheese cake! We could choose what flavour we wanted so Elaine and I chose strawberry and malteasers!
There were so many processes to do to make it. But there was nothing to hard to do! We had to let it set, so we couldn't get it till the end of the day. I put mine into two small lunch box's which turned out great.
Ours turned out really well, and tasted great! I was really happy with it.Now I have to make for a communion!
I really liked cooking this year and enjoyed learning new skills. We had a few disasters but all in all it turned out great! My favorite to make would be the cheesecake or spaghetti bolanese. I hope to keep it up!
Thank you,
Roisin.P.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Sports Day!
Dear Readers,
On Wednesday last we had our annual school's Sports Day. It started at twelve and finished in time for home time. There were many competitions and novelty races. The best was the Junior High Jump or the slow bicycle race! As TY's we made the day fun for ourselves, dancing to the music and laughing on the matts. Later on we were allowed to play tennis, so a group of us challenged three of our teachers to a game. It was great fun, with two of the teachers getting a bit over competitive. Naturally we won, but then it was time for Teachers VS. Sixth Years rounders. The highlight of the sixth years final year. The students won, though there was a bit of fun cheating, but Mr.S our Irish teacher won man of the match.
The day was great and I can't wait till next year. The weather, though it was a bit iffy at first turned out great!
Thanks,
Roisin.P.
On Wednesday last we had our annual school's Sports Day. It started at twelve and finished in time for home time. There were many competitions and novelty races. The best was the Junior High Jump or the slow bicycle race! As TY's we made the day fun for ourselves, dancing to the music and laughing on the matts. Later on we were allowed to play tennis, so a group of us challenged three of our teachers to a game. It was great fun, with two of the teachers getting a bit over competitive. Naturally we won, but then it was time for Teachers VS. Sixth Years rounders. The highlight of the sixth years final year. The students won, though there was a bit of fun cheating, but Mr.S our Irish teacher won man of the match.
The day was great and I can't wait till next year. The weather, though it was a bit iffy at first turned out great!
Thanks,
Roisin.P.
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Horse and Pony Breeds; Finished
Dear Readers,
So I have finished my geography project on different Horse and Pony Breeds in the world. I really enjoyed learning about new breeds and more about I didn't know before. I especially liked learning about how each breed has adapted to their climate and how they provide communities. I think it was a good idea to do a project using Google maps and Blogger, and was one of the nicest I've had to do.
The websites and books I used were;
http://www.wikipedia.org/
http://www.google.com/
http://www.bing.com/
maps.google.com
The Handbook of Horse Breeds by Maria Costantino.
Here are he links to all my blogs:
The Arab
The Anglo-Arab
The Shagya Arab
The Shetland Pony
The Bashkir Pony
Thank you,
Roisin.P.
So I have finished my geography project on different Horse and Pony Breeds in the world. I really enjoyed learning about new breeds and more about I didn't know before. I especially liked learning about how each breed has adapted to their climate and how they provide communities. I think it was a good idea to do a project using Google maps and Blogger, and was one of the nicest I've had to do.
The websites and books I used were;
http://www.wikipedia.org/
http://www.google.com/
http://www.bing.com/
maps.google.com
The Handbook of Horse Breeds by Maria Costantino.
Here are he links to all my blogs:
The Arab
The Anglo-Arab
The Shagya Arab
The Shetland Pony
The Bashkir Pony
Thank you,
Roisin.P.
Horse and Pony Breeds; The Bashkir Pony
Dear Readers,
Here is the fifth and final part of my geography project, the Bashkir Pony.
The Bashkir Pony is an invaluable source to the communities of the southern Ural mountains near Kazakhstan, because they provide so much, and this is why I chose them.
Height: 13-14hh
Colour: Chestnut, Bay, Dun
Use: Saddle, Pack, Draft, Milk, Meat
Features: Thick curly coat, luxurious mane and tail, hard feet, heavy head and thick, strong neck.
They come come the Bashkiria area of the Ural Mountains around Kuryhizi and Kazakhstan. The climate in this area has temperatures that range between -30*C and -40*C, with snow for most of the year, and the Bashkir pony will live out in this all year round.
They have adapted to this by having their thick curly coat and hard feet which can be left un-shod. They can also survive on little and poor quality food (as the climate doesn't allow rich growth) and for foals to survive mares produce an average of 1500litres of milk over 7-8 months with is way above the average other breeds.
They are major providers to small economies of the area and these areas probably couldn't survive without them! They provide milk to make the dairy product Kummis, their coat when combed can be used to weave blankets and clothing, their strong neck and big head means they can do heavy pack and harness work, also can be used as transport. A Bashkir Troika (three horses abreast pulling a sledge) can cover 120-150km a day through snow. Their meat can also provide a form of protein.
Because of their major importance breeding centres were set up around 1845 to improve stock, this has resulted in two types of ponies being produced; the mountain type, suitable for riding; and the heavier steppe type. In America, where they are also quiet popular in the north western states, they are called Bashkir Curlies, and they are said to have been introduced to the mustang herds there by the Spanish conquests in the 16th century.
All this makes them invaluable to a small local economy of the southern Urals and popular around the world.
Thank you,
Roisin.P.
Here is the fifth and final part of my geography project, the Bashkir Pony.
The Bashkir Pony is an invaluable source to the communities of the southern Ural mountains near Kazakhstan, because they provide so much, and this is why I chose them.
Height: 13-14hh
Colour: Chestnut, Bay, Dun
Use: Saddle, Pack, Draft, Milk, Meat
Features: Thick curly coat, luxurious mane and tail, hard feet, heavy head and thick, strong neck.
They come come the Bashkiria area of the Ural Mountains around Kuryhizi and Kazakhstan. The climate in this area has temperatures that range between -30*C and -40*C, with snow for most of the year, and the Bashkir pony will live out in this all year round.
They have adapted to this by having their thick curly coat and hard feet which can be left un-shod. They can also survive on little and poor quality food (as the climate doesn't allow rich growth) and for foals to survive mares produce an average of 1500litres of milk over 7-8 months with is way above the average other breeds.
They are major providers to small economies of the area and these areas probably couldn't survive without them! They provide milk to make the dairy product Kummis, their coat when combed can be used to weave blankets and clothing, their strong neck and big head means they can do heavy pack and harness work, also can be used as transport. A Bashkir Troika (three horses abreast pulling a sledge) can cover 120-150km a day through snow. Their meat can also provide a form of protein.
Because of their major importance breeding centres were set up around 1845 to improve stock, this has resulted in two types of ponies being produced; the mountain type, suitable for riding; and the heavier steppe type. In America, where they are also quiet popular in the north western states, they are called Bashkir Curlies, and they are said to have been introduced to the mustang herds there by the Spanish conquests in the 16th century.
All this makes them invaluable to a small local economy of the southern Urals and popular around the world.
Thank you,
Roisin.P.
Horse and Pony Breeds; The Shetland
Dear Readers,
This is my forth breed for my geography project. Hope you enjoy.
The Shetland pony is found on the Shetland and Orkney Isles, in the North Sea off the coast of Scotland. The live in a very extreme climate and have adapted so.
Height: (measured in inch's) 38"-40"
Colour: Any
Use: Pack, Saddle, Harness
Features: Very thick mane and tail to protect from the weather, smooth coat in summer, very thick wiry double coat in winter, tough feet of blue horn with pasterns that are sloped.
Though they have lived on the Orkney and Shetland Isles for more than 2000 years, it is thought that they came from further north in Scandinavia before the ice fields melted and left Britain isolated from continental Europe.
These isles have no trees and acidic soil meaning only rough grass and heathers grow. But their is plenty of seaweed. Therefore the Shetlands diet consists mainly of this mineral-rich seaweed.
Their feet, coat and body have evolved and adapted to the islands, with there thick double winter coat, main and tail, kept them warm in the cold weather and their blue horn feet are the strongest horn so their feet won't be worn to fast or damaged easily by the rough ground, which means Shetland ponies in the rest of the world rarely need to be covered in winter or shod.
Also in 1847, after the Act of Parliament, women and children were prohibited from working in the coal mines of Great Britain, this in turn put high demand on Shetland ponies to become pit ponies, pulling wagons of coal out of the mines because they were small enough and cheap to feed and easy to care for. Because of this a heavier, coarser pony was developed alongside the existing Shetland.
They are perfect for carrying seaweed and turf around these isles as pack ponies and as a from of transport. Those in the rest of the world are great as small children rides because of their size and gentle nature.
They are very popular all over the world, especially as small children's mounts, and with large countries owning their own stud books.
Thank you,
Roisin.P.
This is my forth breed for my geography project. Hope you enjoy.
Height: (measured in inch's) 38"-40"
Colour: Any
Use: Pack, Saddle, Harness
Features: Very thick mane and tail to protect from the weather, smooth coat in summer, very thick wiry double coat in winter, tough feet of blue horn with pasterns that are sloped.
Though they have lived on the Orkney and Shetland Isles for more than 2000 years, it is thought that they came from further north in Scandinavia before the ice fields melted and left Britain isolated from continental Europe.
These isles have no trees and acidic soil meaning only rough grass and heathers grow. But their is plenty of seaweed. Therefore the Shetlands diet consists mainly of this mineral-rich seaweed.
Their feet, coat and body have evolved and adapted to the islands, with there thick double winter coat, main and tail, kept them warm in the cold weather and their blue horn feet are the strongest horn so their feet won't be worn to fast or damaged easily by the rough ground, which means Shetland ponies in the rest of the world rarely need to be covered in winter or shod.
Also in 1847, after the Act of Parliament, women and children were prohibited from working in the coal mines of Great Britain, this in turn put high demand on Shetland ponies to become pit ponies, pulling wagons of coal out of the mines because they were small enough and cheap to feed and easy to care for. Because of this a heavier, coarser pony was developed alongside the existing Shetland.
They are very popular all over the world, especially as small children's mounts, and with large countries owning their own stud books.
Thank you,
Roisin.P.
Horse and Pony Breeds; The Shagya Arab
Dear Readers,
Here is the third part of my geography project, horse and pony breeds of the world.
The Shagya Arab is much the same as the Arab, they would be the next eldest kind of Arab too. The reason I chose them was because the reason they look slightly different from the Arab of the Arabian Peninsula. They do because of the climate they live in, in Hungary.
Colour: Mostly grey(s) but can be other solid colours.
Features: bigger than the Arab with more substance and bone, pronounced withers, more sloping shoulder and correct hind legs.
Found in north west Hungary in Bábolna, where for 1000years has been producing strong animals. Its climate and quality vegetation ensure this. Hungary has a temperate continental climate with Mediterranean and Atlantic influences. May, June and November are the rainiest months and July is the hottest month (average temperature 23.2° C) and January the coldest (-1.3° C). The average annual temperature is 11° C. This climate provides lush vegetation which encourages growth, also the colder climate (compared to the Arabian peninsula) explains the increase in their body muscle, and bone density.
A stud in Bábolna founded in 1789 is where all the purebreds are kept to ensure the quality of the breed. They are also breed all around the world. The FEI World Champion 2009 was a pure breed Shagya Arab, so this shows they are excellent showjumping and event horses. They are very popular breed of horse in the showjumping world especially in the U.S.A.
Thank you,
Roisin.P.
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Horse and Pony Breeds; The Anglo Arab
Dear Readers,
Here is the second part to my geography project. The first was the Arab now here is the Anglo-Arab of England and France.
Height: 16-16.3hh`
Colour: Bay, Black, Grey, Brown
Use: Riding, Racing, Competition
Features: A tough athletic horse with an outline that tends toward the Thoroughbred; straight head profile (than concave), well sloped shoulders, prominent withers. Frame is more solid than a Thoroughbred and the croup is longer. has great jumping ability and well suited to dressage.
The Anglo-Arab is usually a cross of a Arab stallion and TB mare. British stud books require 12.5% Arab blood, but the French requires 25%.
Ideally the Anglo-Arab would have the Arab qualities and soundness, endurance and stamia along with the size and some speed of the TB, though without the excitable manner. The athletic body and height of a TB gives them their speed, this is what you look for in an Anglo-Arab.
TBs have Arab connections. They were brought over to emprove the pureness of the TB bloodlines and to refine the breed. This made them less prone to disease, mature quicker and increse stamina. Over this process became the Anglo-Arab.
This shows how far the Arab has travelled around the world emproving breeds. The stamina and not being prone to disease are the most saught after traits in Europe because the climate in countries like Britian doesn't encourage good stamina because it's so mild. Also the fact that Europe has very little poisonous plants, animals and dieseases horse breeds arent exposed to them so they can't fight them off like the Arab can, also the pureness of the Arab can limit the amount of genetic disorders and diseases passed on in a breed.
Thanking you,
Roisin.P.
Here is the second part to my geography project. The first was the Arab now here is the Anglo-Arab of England and France.
Colour: Bay, Black, Grey, Brown
Use: Riding, Racing, Competition
Features: A tough athletic horse with an outline that tends toward the Thoroughbred; straight head profile (than concave), well sloped shoulders, prominent withers. Frame is more solid than a Thoroughbred and the croup is longer. has great jumping ability and well suited to dressage.
The Anglo-Arab is usually a cross of a Arab stallion and TB mare. British stud books require 12.5% Arab blood, but the French requires 25%.
Source
SourceIdeally the Anglo-Arab would have the Arab qualities and soundness, endurance and stamia along with the size and some speed of the TB, though without the excitable manner. The athletic body and height of a TB gives them their speed, this is what you look for in an Anglo-Arab.
TBs have Arab connections. They were brought over to emprove the pureness of the TB bloodlines and to refine the breed. This made them less prone to disease, mature quicker and increse stamina. Over this process became the Anglo-Arab.
This shows how far the Arab has travelled around the world emproving breeds. The stamina and not being prone to disease are the most saught after traits in Europe because the climate in countries like Britian doesn't encourage good stamina because it's so mild. Also the fact that Europe has very little poisonous plants, animals and dieseases horse breeds arent exposed to them so they can't fight them off like the Arab can, also the pureness of the Arab can limit the amount of genetic disorders and diseases passed on in a breed.
Thanking you,
Roisin.P.
Friday, May 6, 2011
Horse and Pony Breeds; The Arab.
Dear Readers,
They have distinctive features; sliky coat, tail carried high and arched in movement, compact body with a short concave back, long level croup, long slender legs with short canons; a dished head that tapers to the muzzle, large flared nostrils, and large intelligant eyes.
There features and skills are all adaptions to the hot desert climate of the Middle East. They do not need a thick coat, therefore they have a light one all year round. The compact body and level croup giving them driving power and stamina, and the long legs mean they can cover more distance in one stride. The short canons mean the Arab can power it's way better over the desert sand, using less energy. The large nostrils help them circulate more oxygen around the body, again improving stamina and performance. The fact that Arabs are used to cover a lot of ground and in a hot climate means it has adapted itself to do so. They were used on the silk road and for long distance racing because they have the adapted features.
They are used for riding, competition, transport and the improve and refrine other breeds. Many of today's horse breeds contain Arab blood like the Thoroughbred, Akele Tehe or the Lipizzaner. The Arab is said to come from the founding Stallion Hoshaba and the founging Mare Baz, both captured at Yemen by Bax.
By 700AD Islamic armies occupied Persia, Turkey, Libya, Morocco, Palestine, Syria, Spain, Northern Egypt and North Africa. This spread of Islam meant the spread and increased popularity of the breed, even Napolean's horse waas a grey Arab, Marengo. All the best Stallions and Mares were brought to Damascus in Syria, the capital of Islam, for selective breeding.
Other variations of the breed began to appear; Egyptian Arab, Polish Arab, Shagya Arab and the Anglo-Arab.
The Arab still remains to be a big part of the breeding world of horses and is one of my favorite breeds.
Hope you learned something!,
Roisin.P.
Here is the first of five points in my geography project about Horse and Pony Breeds. This is about the Arabian Horse.
sourceThe Arab is known as one of the purest and one of the oldest breeds, 4500years, in the world today. They come from the Arabian Penisula in the Middle east. The geography and climate of this area has ensured their purity.
They have distinctive features; sliky coat, tail carried high and arched in movement, compact body with a short concave back, long level croup, long slender legs with short canons; a dished head that tapers to the muzzle, large flared nostrils, and large intelligant eyes.
There features and skills are all adaptions to the hot desert climate of the Middle East. They do not need a thick coat, therefore they have a light one all year round. The compact body and level croup giving them driving power and stamina, and the long legs mean they can cover more distance in one stride. The short canons mean the Arab can power it's way better over the desert sand, using less energy. The large nostrils help them circulate more oxygen around the body, again improving stamina and performance. The fact that Arabs are used to cover a lot of ground and in a hot climate means it has adapted itself to do so. They were used on the silk road and for long distance racing because they have the adapted features.
They are used for riding, competition, transport and the improve and refrine other breeds. Many of today's horse breeds contain Arab blood like the Thoroughbred, Akele Tehe or the Lipizzaner. The Arab is said to come from the founding Stallion Hoshaba and the founging Mare Baz, both captured at Yemen by Bax.
By 700AD Islamic armies occupied Persia, Turkey, Libya, Morocco, Palestine, Syria, Spain, Northern Egypt and North Africa. This spread of Islam meant the spread and increased popularity of the breed, even Napolean's horse waas a grey Arab, Marengo. All the best Stallions and Mares were brought to Damascus in Syria, the capital of Islam, for selective breeding.
sourceOther variations of the breed began to appear; Egyptian Arab, Polish Arab, Shagya Arab and the Anglo-Arab.
The Arab still remains to be a big part of the breeding world of horses and is one of my favorite breeds.
Hope you learned something!,
Roisin.P.
New Geography Project.
Dear Readers,
We have to do a Geography project using Google Maps and Blogger. I have chosen the subject Horse and Pony Breeds. I like horses and I think it is interesting how some of them have adapted to their surrounding climate and geographical area, how far across the world they have travelled or how important they can be to a local economy. Here's my map:
hh - "hands high", how horses and ponies are measured. 1hand = 4inchs
Features - 'looks' that are specific to a breed
Pack - a horse/pony used to carry things like seaweed turf bricks or coal in baskets or bags across their back.
Harness - used to pull farm machinery like a plough.
Ride/Saddle - competition or leisure ride horses/ponies.
Transport - either used in the saddle, pull a sledge or coach.
Stallion - male horse/pony
Mare - female horse/pony
Stud book - a book where breeding Stallions and Mares are signed becuase they have the specific features to a breed, ensuring quality of breeds.
Hope you enjoy my project,
We have to do a Geography project using Google Maps and Blogger. I have chosen the subject Horse and Pony Breeds. I like horses and I think it is interesting how some of them have adapted to their surrounding climate and geographical area, how far across the world they have travelled or how important they can be to a local economy. Here's my map:
The breeds I chose are:
The Arab (Arabian Penisula), the Shagya Arab (Hungrary), the Anglo-Arab (Britian and France), the Shetland Pony (Shetland and Orkney Isles, Scotland), and the Baskir Pony (Ural Mountains, near Kazakhstan).
Terminoloy for those non horsey people:
hh - "hands high", how horses and ponies are measured. 1hand = 4inchs
Features - 'looks' that are specific to a breed
Pack - a horse/pony used to carry things like seaweed turf bricks or coal in baskets or bags across their back.
Harness - used to pull farm machinery like a plough.
Ride/Saddle - competition or leisure ride horses/ponies.
Transport - either used in the saddle, pull a sledge or coach.
Stallion - male horse/pony
Mare - female horse/pony
Stud book - a book where breeding Stallions and Mares are signed becuase they have the specific features to a breed, ensuring quality of breeds.
Hope you enjoy my project,
Roisin.P.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Easter Hols Are Over! :(
Dear Readers,
This Tuesday we returned back to school for our last 4 weeks of school and of TY! I can't believe it's nearly over, and don't I know it! We have an graduation night to prepare and several end of year projects and of course and good few summer test (just to prove we actually did class work!...joke!).
I'm really excited for summer though and I've lots planned. I still have my Geography, History and Science projects to finish and we have to put together a whole ceremony for grad night! I'm in charge of sound on the night, aswell as doing the MiniCompany and English stands!
The other class are organising hoodies for us and they are putting together a video for incoming TY's, so they have an idea what to expect from TY, though I think that was half the fun!Looking back on all my blogs and work I can see how much we have done and achived this year! We did so much more than I expected and we did it all well. I'm still having so much fun and I know it won't stop till the very last minuet.
It will be sad to leave TY, I will definetly shed a tear or two. I'm so greatly for all that I've experianced and learned, for my new friends and the chance to grow closer with old friends to.
I want to know what your favorite moment or trip in TY? I have to say going to Cork or the drumming workshop!
Let me know,
Roisin.P.
This Tuesday we returned back to school for our last 4 weeks of school and of TY! I can't believe it's nearly over, and don't I know it! We have an graduation night to prepare and several end of year projects and of course and good few summer test (just to prove we actually did class work!...joke!).
I'm really excited for summer though and I've lots planned. I still have my Geography, History and Science projects to finish and we have to put together a whole ceremony for grad night! I'm in charge of sound on the night, aswell as doing the MiniCompany and English stands!
The other class are organising hoodies for us and they are putting together a video for incoming TY's, so they have an idea what to expect from TY, though I think that was half the fun!Looking back on all my blogs and work I can see how much we have done and achived this year! We did so much more than I expected and we did it all well. I'm still having so much fun and I know it won't stop till the very last minuet.
It will be sad to leave TY, I will definetly shed a tear or two. I'm so greatly for all that I've experianced and learned, for my new friends and the chance to grow closer with old friends to.
I want to know what your favorite moment or trip in TY? I have to say going to Cork or the drumming workshop!
Let me know,
Roisin.P.
Poetry. "Living in Sin" by Adrienne Rich
Dear Readers,
We studied another poem by Adrienne Rich today in class. I thought it very realistic compared to some of her other poem but here is what I think of it and what I think Ms. Rich is trying to tell us.
In this poem we see Adrienne Rich and her partner living together without being married which is quiet unusal for the 60's. The poem sets itself in an apartment or “studio”, and the opening line, “She had thought the studio would keep itself; no dust uponn the furniture of love” is said as if she had seen it coming, just avoided the obvious. They proberly thought themselves rebellious, 'living in sin' and in love, different from all the rest. She now sees that she was naive and seems angry with herself.
“..a cat stalking the picturespue amusing mouse had risen at his urging.” the still life drawing here shows that maybe this is a constant acurance, but in stead of chasing they chase with words, argue, rising to each others taunts.
“...each separate stair would writhe under the milkman's tramp”, the millkman is a symbol used in the poem for perhaps to symbolise the never ending, the not stopping or giving up. Here it is a negative symbol becuase not very pretty words are used like “writhe” or “tramp”. Another indicator to an arguementive relationship is the line,”scraps of last night's cheese...”, food left over like a row left behind unsettled.
This line is one of the most interesting in the poem becuase it shows her inner conflict of how the relationship is working, “a pair of beetle-eyes would fix her own envoy from some village in the moldings”, it was as if this beetle came a long distance from the back of her head to tell that the relationship isn't working, making obvious what she already knows. The fact that it is a 'bug bugging her about this is a really good use of symbols yet again. Another line later in the poem,”while she, jeered by the minor demons”, this line shows bigger demons than just warning beetles. She knows she isn't happy and her demons are letting her know. I like this line because you can she her realisation growing of the current situation she is in.
In the poem her partner is referred to as “he”, like he is not important. She envies him too about how relaxed he can be “with a yawn....shrugged at the mirror, rubbed his beard, went for cigaretted”, about the whole relationship, also indicating that he has no pride in his apperance before her, like he doesnt have to make an effort for her. I think she feels the relationship is very one sided and I would agree, she notices all the work that needs doing, not only in the house but in the relationship but he doesn't, “he” is too relaxed to see anything or make an effort, “pulled back the sheets and made the bed and found a towel to dust the table-top”.
But then Adrienne turns the whole poem on its head and says,”by evening she was back in love again, though not so wholly...”, whether she means our main lady to be to forgiving, to naive or maybe the fact that dispite his annoying laid back attitude, she still loves him.
The closing line then refers to the milkman, “like a relentless milkman up the stairs”. The milkman will always come, like daylight, and with daylight brings more demons. It is like hate by day and love by night.
I liked learning this poem, though it isn't my favorite of hers. She shows how hard it can be to live with some, in sin, especially when you don't know their true nature or habits or be naive enough not to be able to sort things out, believe things won't change. I like how she uses symbols in all of her poems, this one better because the symbols are very realistic, unlike her other poem “Trying to Talk with a Man”, where symbols are out in the desert testing bombs.
Thank you,
Roisin.P.
We studied another poem by Adrienne Rich today in class. I thought it very realistic compared to some of her other poem but here is what I think of it and what I think Ms. Rich is trying to tell us.
In this poem we see Adrienne Rich and her partner living together without being married which is quiet unusal for the 60's. The poem sets itself in an apartment or “studio”, and the opening line, “She had thought the studio would keep itself; no dust uponn the furniture of love” is said as if she had seen it coming, just avoided the obvious. They proberly thought themselves rebellious, 'living in sin' and in love, different from all the rest. She now sees that she was naive and seems angry with herself.
“..a cat stalking the picturespue amusing mouse had risen at his urging.” the still life drawing here shows that maybe this is a constant acurance, but in stead of chasing they chase with words, argue, rising to each others taunts.
“...each separate stair would writhe under the milkman's tramp”, the millkman is a symbol used in the poem for perhaps to symbolise the never ending, the not stopping or giving up. Here it is a negative symbol becuase not very pretty words are used like “writhe” or “tramp”. Another indicator to an arguementive relationship is the line,”scraps of last night's cheese...”, food left over like a row left behind unsettled.
This line is one of the most interesting in the poem becuase it shows her inner conflict of how the relationship is working, “a pair of beetle-eyes would fix her own envoy from some village in the moldings”, it was as if this beetle came a long distance from the back of her head to tell that the relationship isn't working, making obvious what she already knows. The fact that it is a 'bug bugging her about this is a really good use of symbols yet again. Another line later in the poem,”while she, jeered by the minor demons”, this line shows bigger demons than just warning beetles. She knows she isn't happy and her demons are letting her know. I like this line because you can she her realisation growing of the current situation she is in.
In the poem her partner is referred to as “he”, like he is not important. She envies him too about how relaxed he can be “with a yawn....shrugged at the mirror, rubbed his beard, went for cigaretted”, about the whole relationship, also indicating that he has no pride in his apperance before her, like he doesnt have to make an effort for her. I think she feels the relationship is very one sided and I would agree, she notices all the work that needs doing, not only in the house but in the relationship but he doesn't, “he” is too relaxed to see anything or make an effort, “pulled back the sheets and made the bed and found a towel to dust the table-top”.
But then Adrienne turns the whole poem on its head and says,”by evening she was back in love again, though not so wholly...”, whether she means our main lady to be to forgiving, to naive or maybe the fact that dispite his annoying laid back attitude, she still loves him.
The closing line then refers to the milkman, “like a relentless milkman up the stairs”. The milkman will always come, like daylight, and with daylight brings more demons. It is like hate by day and love by night.
I liked learning this poem, though it isn't my favorite of hers. She shows how hard it can be to live with some, in sin, especially when you don't know their true nature or habits or be naive enough not to be able to sort things out, believe things won't change. I like how she uses symbols in all of her poems, this one better because the symbols are very realistic, unlike her other poem “Trying to Talk with a Man”, where symbols are out in the desert testing bombs.
Thank you,
Roisin.P.
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