Answer:
"the leavers":
In this poem, the speaker reflects on the experiences of immigrants leaving their home country. It portrays a sense of loss and disconnection from one's roots. Lines such as "a past reduced to snapshots / hidden in shoeboxes" and "we miss our names, / our streets, our scents" suggest the loss of familiar surroundings, cultural heritage, and personal history. By moving to New York, the family may gain opportunities for a better future and economic prosperity, but they also sacrifice a deep connection to their homeland and the memories associated with it.
"as a child, i smelled the air":
This poem evokes a sense of nostalgia and longing for a lost place. The speaker reminisces about their childhood memories and the scents that are deeply tied to their identity. The lines "as a child, I smelled the air of the old country, / and that fragrance became the compass of my dreams" highlight the emotional attachment to their native land. Moving to New York could mean leaving behind these cherished scents, which symbolize a connection to their culture and upbringing. While the family may gain new experiences and opportunities in New York, they risk losing the essence of their past and the comfort associated with familiar smells and sensations.
"halfway home #1":
This poem explores the complex emotions and contradictions experienced by immigrants. It delves into the challenges of adapting to a new environment while still feeling connected to the old. Lines like "halfway home, we mourn the words we cannot name" and "strangers stare, / seeing us, but not / who we were" capture the sense of displacement and the struggle to preserve one's identity in a new place. Moving to New York may provide the family with a chance for growth, diversity, and a new beginning. However, they may also encounter feelings of isolation, cultural assimilation, and the loss of a clear sense of belonging.
Collectively, these poems suggest that a move to New York can bring both gains and losses for a family. They may gain opportunities, economic stability, and exposure to diverse cultures, but they may also lose a deep connection to their homeland, a sense of identity tied to their past, and the comfort of familiarity. The poems emphasize the complexities and mixed emotions associated with such a significant transition, highlighting the bittersweet nature of leaving one's roots behind.
Step-by-step explanation: