Ode To My Boots Analysis

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In Laurie Ann Guerrero’s “Ode To My Boots” it is clear that the poet is addressing how she relates to her boots. The poet details how her boots give her a sense of courage, power, strength, and the ability to be acknowledged. Throughout the poem, the author praises the boots that she wears because it makes her feel empowered. Almost to the point as if she is having a conversation with them. Hence, this unique quality distinguishes and enables the poets’ ability to be able to compare herself to the power of boots. The poet also characteristically shows a solemn and serious tone, showing the reader that there is no room for humor, petty or frivolous thoughts. Also, the poets’ personality is shown through her chosen theme of boots, bearing wide …show more content…

Her choice of words in the first line “Like San Antonio, bronze in the face, white sky…” are a description of her Hispanic/ Mexican American community that she grew up in. This line also helps detail the diversity and beauty that is within her hometown of San Antonio. The use of the word “nopal”, is used to showcase an important staple of the Mexican heritage. Guerrero can resemble with a nopal, because just like her, they are able to adapt and survive in all kinds of environments no matter the circumstances. This symbolizes that you can achieve anything you set your mind to, no matter who you are or where you are from. Guerrero mentions, “Like a shot of tequila, you courage me up from the toes”. This line ties into the word “liquid courage”, which is an alcoholic title that enables a person to conversate with people more freely and openly. Here, the poet uses alcohol to relate back to her boots as well, leading to her belief that the moment she puts on those boots, she feels like a whole new person. Also, like the state of Texas is stronger because of everything around it, the tequila gives her the courage to do the things that she needs to do that otherwise she normally wouldn’t do, which in this case is to pursue her love for poetry. Guerrero concludes by saying, “delicate grubs in tomato plants”. This line is intended to demonstrate that although the poet