When I Was Young The Silk

This poem expertly utilizes natural imagery and metaphors to explore themes of growth, transition and self-discovery. The speaker likens their youthful mind to a hard peony bud which unfurls, suggesting a blossoming or awakening of consciousness. This is propelled by the 'wind' that 'blooms the parachute', a poignant symbol of being carried away by external forces, perhaps societal expectations or life's unexpected turns. The 'air-head' tugging the speaker 'up' might signify the overwhelming nature of these forces.

The tone is one of poignant longing and introspection, achieved through a seamless transition from the buoyancy of the speaker's youth to their desire to 'touch down' and 'taste the ground'. This grounding signifies a yearning for stability and self-understanding. The speaker's desire to 'take in' their 'silk' suggests a wish to reclaim and understand their personal identity before 'it is too late to know'. The structure of the poem, with its floating lines and enjambment, mirrors the speaker's own sense of drifting and dislocation, reinforcing the overall theme. The poem's strength lies in its ability to capture the universal human experience of self-discovery and the desire to find grounding amidst the unpredictable currents of life.