No One Is Alone Problems are bound to happen throughout one’s life, but how can one face these problems completely alone? How can having someone there for them during hard times make a difference? In the poem If I Should Have a Daughter, the poet, Sarah Kay, portrays the theme of overcoming adversity by explaining the many ways she will support her future daughter in the problems she might face. She tells the reader and her child the difficulties that are certain to happen in her life and the ways she can handle them. This powerful poem offers hope and encouragement to anyone who might read it. Kay addresses the theme of adversity, hoping to convey the message that in the face of life’s cruelties, no one is alone. The poet tells the reader about how she will always be there alongside her daughter. For example, in one stanza she explains how she will be present for her constantly, and will not allow her daughter to go through anything alone. “There is hurt, fear that cannot be fixed by band aids or poetry, so the first time she realizes that Wonder Woman isn’t coming, I’ll make sure she knows she does not have to wear the cape all by herself” (Kays). She tells her daughter that, while there might not be a supernatural hero there to save her, her mom will …show more content…
She knows that people will try to tear her daughter down, and she wants her to know she will not let anyone get in her daughter’s way. “When they slip war and hatred under your door and offer you handouts on street corners of cynicism and defeat, you tell them that they really ought to meet your mother.” (Kays). She realistically addresses the fact that her daughter will not always be liked or respected, but her mom will handle it. She conveys that, in the face of adversity, she will be there to try and solve her problems for her. She knows, to an extent, that everyone needs someone to help fight their battles with