POEM FOR MY SISTER - Liz Lochhead

Read the poem and watch the analysis video

My little sister likes to try my shoes,
to strut in them,
admire her spindle­ thin twelve ­year ­old legs
in this season's styles.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       She says they fit her perfectly,
but wobbles
on their high heels, they're
hard to balance.

I like to watch my little sister
playing hopscotch,
admire the neat hops­ and ­skips of her,
their quick peck, never ­missing their mark, not
over­stepping the line.
She is competent at peever.

I try to warn my little sister
about unsuitable shoes,
point out my own distorted feet, the callouses,
odd patches of hard skin.
I should not like to see her
in my shoes.
I wish she could stay
sure footed,
sensibly shod.

Now watch Suzi describe the meaning of the poem:

Now have a go at the quiz.