As the beginning of the poem reads, “Sundays too my father got up early and put his clothes on in the blueback cold, then with cracked hands that ached from labor in the weekday weather made banked fires blaze” (Kelly, 142-143). The author begins by telling the readers, that even on Sunday’s after the long work week, his father has the strength to get out of bed early, and start the fire to heat the house. Readers can also visualize that his job is not an easy task. As Hayden describes his father’s hands as “cracked hands that ached from labor” readers can visualize the painful and tender hands his father has. However, this does not stop him from staying in bed on Sunday’s. The father looks past his pain, and goes on to his task of keeping his family …show more content…
Recognizing how someone, even a child, can feel so surrounded by love, and not truly see it until their older. With Hayden growing up with a foster family, at first he might not have realized the love and affection his family had for him. One of the messages outlined in this poem was the hard work contributed from the father. This poem accurately displays how someone puts their care for their children before themselves. Even with sore hands and feeling emotionally feeling weak Hayden’s father shows readers how strongly he was dedicated to his family. Behind the dreadful mornings Hayden felt, dragging himself out of bed when the house was warmed, he learned what it was like to love someone. It is important others appreciate everything in their lives that parents, friends, or family give to them. Often something that can mean the most to an individual can become overlooked, such as a family meal. Being surrounded by loved ones, and being thankful for the food on the plates. Those moments can turn into memories that someone will want to cherish