My Papa's Waltz By Theodore Roethke

Determining if a situation is truly considered child abuse can sometimes be hard, yet the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention plainly defines child abuse as, “any act or series of acts of commission or omission by a parent or other caregiver (e.g., clergy, coach, teacher) that results in harm, potential for harm, or threat of harm to a child” (National Child Abuse Coalition). In 2021, 7.2 million children were affected or abused, yet this number does not include all of the cases that go unreported (American SPCC). The poem “My Papa’s Waltz” by Theodore Roethke, written in 1942, still applies to society’s struggle with child abuse. The poem, “My Papa’s Waltz,” gives an example of what domestic child abuse can look like, as well as outlines

Causes of abuse can stem from anything, from small stressors or even traits inherited from an abuser’s parents. 68% of kids who have been abused were abused by a family member (Child Protect). Within the poem, “My Papa’s Waltz,” the son recalls memories of his childhood with his father through adoring eyes. However, readers can analyze these recollections and see the hints of abuse. The abuse exhibited in the poem could originate from internal and external matters. “The whiskey on your breath/Could make a small boy dizzy,” (lines 1 and 2) portrays the father as having drunk a large amount of alcohol, enough to make his son feel dizzy at the scent of his breath. Alcohol is known to cause abuse issues, proving to be one probable cause of the abuse within the father and son’s relationship. “[h]alf of all domestic abuse involve drinking. The relationship between alcohol and child abuse, specifically, is particularly close, with alcohol abuse being a contributing factor to child abuse and child abuse being a contributing factor to adult alcoholism” (Alcohol Rehab Guide). Roethke’s words, “The hand that held my wrist/Was battered on one knuckle,” (lines 9-10) portrays the father’s hand as worn. He is most likely a man that works long, hard days and is doing his best to provide for his family. The overwhelming feeling that comes from a demanding job and economic struggles can add strain to any relationship. The poet also expresses, “[w]ith a palm caked hard by dirt,” (line 14) the father’s dirty hand, possibly from the long day of working or