Imagery And Symbolism In 'Lies I Tell'

In an interview, Taylor Swift mentions that “We have mirrorballs in the middle of a dance floor because they reflect light, they are broken a million times and that’s what makes them so shiny, we have people like that in society, too.” Those who have endured and persevered through the toughest experiences arguably have some of the most beautiful minds and personalities. Sara Borjas, a fourth-generation poet, is a wonderful example of someone who has grown from their personal hardships. As a result of her growth, she writes about the abuse her mother endured and her father’s struggle to convey the importance of individuality. In “Lies I Tell,” Sara Borjas employs symbolism, imagery, and a paradox to illustrate how suppressing oneself can be

At this moment, the skin represents one’s ability to protect themselves and their emotions, similar to armor. Skin is the barrier to life itself, and when damaged, it can reflect its endurance. With this, readers obtain a more thorough understanding of how one’s mental strength can be overcome by physical imperfections. While it is true that physical wounds last, one could argue that the invisible wounds on the mind are even more difficult to heal. The narrator explains how their father tends to be closed off emotionally, but “One night I [saw] my father crying in the yard, head in his hands…” (lines 10-11). By creating a vision for readers, the audience can understand how powerful emotions can be. In this case, the father has been able to put up a strong front, but when alone in the comfort of night, he is inconsolable. The narrator’s idea of truth has been shaped by those around them, such as their father, who believes that emotions are meant to be concealed in fear that he will be seen as weak. Without this picture, readers may not have felt sympathetic for how badly suppression has impacted the narrator’s