A Work of Artifice

A Work of Artifice really opens my eyes to the metaphors in poems. It is quite easy to see how in the poem the Bonsai tree and women are the same. I feel it is saying that women are supposed to grow, but men are holding them back by "whittling back the branches." He thinks it is lucky to be taken care of but in reality, it can take care of itself. The same as women, the Bonsai would be able to take care of itself. I believe it is also saying that from a very early age women are taught to be perfect to men. The last few lines state "one must begin very early to dwarf their growth:..." Clearly saying how from the beginning one must learn how to act like a lady, or acting and being beautiful like one is the only way a man will love you. I enjoyed this poem because the point is very clear and it is easy for anyone to understand. I believe women need to break out of the pot and start to grow on the side of the mountain. Break the mold and be able to take care of your self personally. All of the metaphors in this poem are almost hard to hear. How women have to be watered by other people aka men. The message here is clear, women need to grow, and not let men keep them down.
Karly Lundy