Fraser carefully constructs a roadtrip for the reader that shoots us back to our childhood memories. Although the poem starts off bouncy ("all smiles") there is an undertone of bored conformity that all readers can relate to. This trip is expected, routine, and well-routed, and though the speaker is content, they are not necessarily happy.
The poem spouts out beautiful descriptions such as "elm-green trees," which, although fantastic, are not congruent with the conversational flow of the subsequent lines. The simple tone of "we are drunkenly/comfortable with each other" and "We are mother/and father, and not, well you know" give strength to this otherwise ordinary piece. My favourite line is the very last, which hints at something greater stewing in the speakers mind: "Only the beach/is where it wants to be."
The poem spouts out beautiful descriptions such as "elm-green trees," which, although fantastic, are not congruent with the conversational flow of the subsequent lines. The simple tone of "we are drunkenly/comfortable with each other" and "We are mother/and father, and not, well you know" give strength to this otherwise ordinary piece. My favourite line is the very last, which hints at something greater stewing in the speakers mind: "Only the beach/is where it wants to be."