Nostalgic Remembrance Influential American poet, Theodore Roethke, is deemed to be one of the most accomplished poet of his generation. Roethke spurs passionate academic debates among students, scholars, and professors in his controversial poem “My Papa’s Waltz.” In many discussions, the meaning of the poem has varied between individuals; some believe the author is writing of the abuse a child experienced from his father and others believe the child is reminiscing affectionate memories. Additionally, several professionals and students have disputed whether the biography of Roethke illustrates the context of the poem. After close examination of “My Papa’s Waltz,” it is undoubtedly clear the poem is referencing a troublesome relationship between
