Climbing My Grandfather (Andrew Waterhouse)

Climbing My Grandfather by Andrew Waterhouse uses the metaphor of climbing to explore the relationship between the speaker and their grandfather. The speaker describes the physical act of climbing their grandfather's body, starting from his feet and progressing upwards to his face. Each body part encountered reveals details about the grandfather's life, such as scars, wrinkles, and warm skin. The climb symbolises the speaker's journey of discovery and admiration for their grandfather, culminating in a moment of intimacy as they reach his smiling mouth and gaze into his eyes. The poem ends with the speaker lying at the summit of their grandfather's head, feeling his warmth and hearing the slow pulse of his heart, reflecting the deep bond between them. You can read the poem below and find analysis further down the page.

Climbing My Grandfather by Andrew Waterhouse

I decide to do it free, without a rope or net.

First, the old brogues, dusty and cracked;

an easy scramble onto his trousers,

pushing into the weave, trying to get a grip.

By the overhanging shirt I change

direction, traverse along his belt

to an earth stained hand. The nails

are splintered and give good purchase,

the skin of his finger is smooth and thick

like warm ice. On his arm I discover

the glassy ridge of a scar, place my feet

gently in the old stitches and move on.

At his still firm shoulder, I rest for a while

in the shade, not looking down,

for climbing has its dangers, then pull

myself up the loose skin of his neck

to a smiling mouth to drink among teeth.

Refreshed, I cross the screed cheek,

to stare into his brown eyes, watch a pupil

slowly open and close. Then up over

the forehead, the wrinkles well-spaced

and easy, to his thick hair (soft and white

at this altitude), reaching for the summit,

where gasping for breath I can only lie

watching clouds and birds circle,

feeling his heat, knowing

the slow pulse of his good heart.

Analysis:

Title Significance:

The title, "Climbing My Grandfather," sets the theme of the poem, highlighting the metaphorical journey of the speaker as they explore their relationship with their grandfather. The title suggests a physical act of climbing but also symbolises the emotional and psychological exploration of familial bonds.

Imagery and Sensory Language:

Waterhouse uses vivid imagery and sensory language to evoke the physical sensations of climbing and the details of the grandfather's body.

Descriptions of dusty brogues, earth-stained hands, wrinkles, and warm skin create a rich and immersive experience for the reader.

Structure:

The poem consists of a single stanza with irregular line lengths and no consistent rhyme scheme.

The structure mirrors the speaker's climb, with each line representing a step in the journey upwards towards the grandfather's head.

Tone and Mood:

The tone is reverent and contemplative, with a sense of awe and admiration for the grandfather.

The mood is intimate and reflective, as the speaker explores their grandfather's body and reflects on their relationship with him.

Themes:

Family and Relationships: The poem explores the theme of family and relationships, particularly the bond between the speaker and their grandfather.

Aging and Legacy: The physical details of the grandfather's body, such as scars, wrinkles, and white hair, reflect the passage of time and the legacy of his life experiences.

Intimacy and Connection: The climb symbolises the speaker's journey of intimacy and connection with their grandfather, as they explore his body and reflect on their shared experiences.

Language and Diction:

Waterhouse's language is descriptive and evocative, with an emphasis on conveying the physical sensations of climbing and the details of the grandfather's body. The use of specific imagery, such as the description of body parts and the tactile sensations of climbing, adds depth and richness to the speaker's narrative.

Conclusion:

Climbing My Grandfather by Andrew Waterhouse is a poignant exploration of the relationship between the speaker and their grandfather. Through vivid imagery and sensory language, Waterhouse captures the physical and emotional journey of the speaker as they climb their grandfather's body, reflecting on his life and their connection to him. The poem offers a heartfelt portrayal of familial bonds and the enduring legacy of love and admiration passed down through generations.

You can find analysis of all the AQA Love and Relationships Poetry Anthology Poems here.