Walking with Russell: Sestet

Form and Structure

“Walking with Russell: Sestet” is a sestet, a traditional six-line stanza found in sonnets.
Although it deviates from the conventional structure of a sonnet, the very act of using a sestet alludes to the significance of emotion and contemplation that are central themes in sonnets.

Line-by-Line Analysis

The parallel structure of the first two lines: ‘I love to think’ and ‘I love to think of my little boy’ provides a snapshot of the poet’s affectionate contemplation of his son.
Paterson uses enjambment, allowing one line to flow into the next, reflecting the continuous flow of the poet’s thoughts about his child.
The repeated use of personal and possessive pronouns like ‘I’, ‘my’ and ‘his’ underscores the intimate and personal nature of the speaker’s connection to the boy.

Themes and Imagery

The use of celestial and time imagery, such as ‘spins through continuous light’, suggests the infinite possibilities and unending journey of life, while also hinting at the swift passage of time.
The simile comparing the poet’s son to a planet highlights aspects of the boy’s nature: his individuality, his continuous growth, and the self-centred innocence common to young children.

Tone and Mood

The overall tone of the poem is one of parental affection and admiration, reflected in Paterson’s choice of positive vocabulary and sentimental tonality.
As the speaker reflects on his son’s growth and journey in life, a mood of poignant nostalgia emerges, reminding readers of the fleeting nature of childhood.

Conclusion

The sestet leans heavily on the poet’s personal emotion and intimate reflections on fatherhood. The distinctive elements in the poem —challenging structure, personal pronouns, enjambment, and positive vocabulary— all work towards painting a wholesome picture of Paterson’s love for his son and his contemplations on the passage of time. Paterson’s careful word choice and use of imagery not only enhances the poetic qualities of the text but serves as an exploration of universal themes of love, growth, and time.