Question

A lot less lungs and much less wind But ain't I lucky I can still breathe in 20 2.1 What do the first two lines tell us about how the speaker feels ? 2.2 Quote two lines from stanza 1 which show that the poet is satisfied with her own company 2.3 In your own words describe three signs of old age which are mentioned in the poem 2.5 What does the poet mean when she says I'm listening to myself (stanza 1) 7 (2) (3) 2.4 Don't study and get it wrong [stanza 3] in your own words explain what we do get wrong about old people (2) QUESTION 3 (2) (2) 2.6 Explain the line "Every goodbye ain't gone" (stanza 3) (2) 2.7 Maya Angelou is African-American. Qoute three typical American expressions from the (3) poem 2.8 Give the reason why the poet mentions her bones and feet and not herself in line 9-10 [17]​

Answer 1

2.1 The first two lines of the poem tell us that the speaker is grateful for being able to breathe despite having less lung capacity and wind. She feels lucky to still be able to breathe.

2.2 Two lines from stanza 1 that show that the poet is satisfied with her own company are "I'm my own company" and "I have my books and my poetry to protect me."

2.3 Three signs of old age mentioned in the poem are less lung capacity, less wind, and a slower pace of walking.

2.4 "Don't study and get it wrong" in stanza 3 means that people often misunderstand or stereotype old people. They fail to see that old people are individuals with their own unique experiences and perspectives.

2.5 When the poet says "I'm listening to myself" in stanza 1, she means that she is taking the time to reflect on her own thoughts and feelings.

2.6 "Every goodbye ain't gone" means that even when we say goodbye to someone or something, the memories and emotions associated with them remain.

2.7 Three typical American expressions from the poem are "ain't," "y'all," and "get it wrong."

2.8 The poet mentions her bones and feet and not herself in line 9-10 to emphasize the physical limitations that come with old age. She is acknowledging that her body is slowing down, but her spirit and mind remain strong.