“My Father’s Song” by Simon J. Ortiz: A Critical Analysis

Introduction: “My Father’s Song” by Simon J. Ortiz

“My Father’s Song” by Simon J. Ortiz first appeared in Going for the Rain (1976), a poetry collection that explores themes of Native American identity, memory, and familial relationships. The poem is a poignant reflection on the speaker’s deep reverence for his father and the values he imparted. Through vivid imagery and gentle recollections, Ortiz captures the tenderness of a father-son bond, emphasizing themes of love, respect for nature, and oral tradition. The poem’s popularity stems from its universal portrayal of memory and loss, resonating with readers who recognize the profound influence of parental guidance. Ortiz’s use of sensory details—such as “the very softness of cool and warm sand” and “tiny pink animals”—evokes nostalgia and underscores the father’s gentle wisdom. His father’s voice, described as a “song,” symbolizes both literal storytelling and the cultural legacy passed down through generations. The poem’s emotional depth and rich, natural imagery make it a powerful testament to heritage and familial love.

Text: “My Father’s Song” by Simon J. Ortiz

Wanting to say things,
I miss my father tonight.
His voice, the slight catch,
the depth from his thin chest,
the tremble of emotion
in something he has just said
to his son, his song:

We planted corn one spring at Acu-
we planted several times
but this one particular time
I remember the soft damp sand
in my hand.

My father had stopped at one point
to show me an overturned furrow;
the plowshare had unearthed
the burrow nest of a mouse
in the soft moist sand.

Very gently, he scooped tiny pink animals
into the palm of his hand
and told me to touch them.
We took them to the edge
of the field and put them in the shade
of a sand moist clod.

I remember the very softness
of cool and warm sand and tiny alive mice
and my father saying things.

Annotations: “My Father’s Song” by Simon J. Ortiz

Line from the Poem	Meaning/Explanation
“Wanting to say things,”	The speaker wants to express something important, likely memories of his father.
“I miss my father tonight.”	The speaker deeply misses his father, showing strong emotions.
“His voice, the slight catch,”	His father’s voice had a slight hesitation or crack, indicating deep feelings.
“the depth from his thin chest,”	His father’s voice had depth, despite his physical frailty.
“the tremble of emotion”	His father’s words carried strong emotions.
“in something he has just said”	His father’s words were meaningful and heartfelt.
“to his son, his song:”	The father’s words were like a song, carrying wisdom and tradition.
“We planted corn one spring at Acu-“	The father and son planted corn, symbolizing tradition and a bond with the land.
“we planted several times”	They planted multiple times, showing patience and the cycle of life.
“but this one particular time”	This particular time stands out in the speaker’s memory.
“I remember the soft damp sand in my hand.”	He recalls the texture of the sand, emphasizing sensory memory.
“My father had stopped at one point”	The father paused to show something, indicating a teaching moment.
“to show me an overturned furrow;”	The father noticed a hidden detail in the soil, demonstrating awareness.
“the plowshare had unearthed”	The plow accidentally disturbed a mouse nest, revealing nature’s fragility.
“the burrow nest of a mouse”	The nest belonged to small, defenseless mice, highlighting vulnerability.
“in the soft moist sand.”	The sand was soft and moist, making the moment feel delicate and sacred.
“Very gently, he scooped tiny pink animals”	The father gently picked up the baby mice, showing his kindness.
“into the palm of his hand”	He held them carefully, emphasizing respect for life.
“and told me to touch them.”	He encouraged his son to touch them, teaching him gentleness and care.
“We took them to the edge”	They moved the mice to a safer place, acting responsibly.
“of the field and put them in the shade”	They placed them in the shade, protecting them from harm.
“of a sand moist clod.”	The sand’s texture stayed in the speaker’s memory, showing its importance.
“I remember the very softness”	He recalls the contrast between warm and cool sand, emphasizing sensory experience.
“of cool and warm sand and tiny alive mice”	The physical feeling of the sand and mice makes the memory more vivid.
“and my father saying things.”	He remembers his father’s words, reinforcing the deep emotional connection.

Literary And Poetic Devices: “My Father’s Song” by Simon J. Ortiz

Literary/Poetic Device	Example from the Poem	Explanation
Imagery	“the very softness of cool and warm sand and tiny alive mice”	Creates vivid sensory experiences, making the memory feel real.
Symbolism	The father’s voice as a “song” represents wisdom and legacy.	Represents oral tradition and cultural values passed down.
Repetition	“We planted… we planted…”	Emphasizes routine, tradition, and the cyclical nature of life.
Personification	“the plowshare had unearthed the burrow nest of a mouse.”	Gives lifelike qualities to farming tools, making nature feel alive.
Enjambment	“We planted several times but this one particular time I remember the soft damp sand in my hand.”	Smooth flow of lines mirrors natural speech and storytelling.
Alliteration	“soft sand”	Repetition of sounds enhances the poem’s rhythm and texture.
Metaphor	The father’s “song” metaphorically represents guidance and oral tradition.	Compares his father’s voice to a song, indicating its depth.
Tone	A nostalgic and reflective tone is maintained throughout the poem.	Expresses warmth, nostalgia, and deep admiration for the father.
Theme	Parental love, respect for life, and cultural heritage.	Explores the bond between father and son and the connection to nature.
Irony	Despite the destruction of the nest, the father gently saves the mice.	Unexpected contrast between destruction (plow) and tenderness (father).
Contrast	The warmth of the father’s teachings contrasts with the harshness of nature.	Highlights the difference between the gentle father and the rough farming environment.
Onomatopoeia	“plowshare” mimics the rough movement of farming equipment.	Creates sound effects that enhance the poem’s realism.
Hyperbole	Exaggeration of sensory details to highlight the vivid memory.	Makes the reader deeply feel the moment and its impact.
Foreshadowing	Hints at the father’s teachings shaping the son’s values.	Prepares the reader for the deeper message of valuing life.
Assonance	“soft damp sand” (repetition of vowel sounds).	Creates a musical effect that makes the poem more engaging.
Consonance	“depth from his thin chest” (repetition of consonant sounds).	Adds harmony and unity to the poem’s language.
Mood	The poem evokes tenderness and nostalgia.	Influences how the reader emotionally responds to the poem.
Perspective	The poem is narrated from the son’s reflective perspective.	Told from the son’s memories, giving it a personal touch.
Free Verse	No fixed rhyme or meter, mimicking natural storytelling.	Allows for free expression of emotions and a natural flow.
Parallelism	Repeated structures like “we planted” emphasize tradition.	Reinforces the ritualistic nature of the father’s teachings.

Themes: “My Father’s Song” by Simon J. Ortiz

• The Theme of Love and Memory in “My Father’s Song”
• In “My Father’s Song”, Simon J. Ortiz explores the deep bond between a father and son, emphasizing love, memory, and cultural inheritance. The poem begins with the speaker expressing a longing to say things, followed by the powerful statement, “I miss my father tonight.” This line sets the emotional tone of nostalgia and love, showing that the father’s presence remains deeply ingrained in the son’s memory. Ortiz uses vivid sensory imagery to reinforce this bond, as seen in “the very softness of cool and warm sand and tiny alive mice.” The detailed recollection of planting corn together, as well as the father’s gentle handling of the baby mice, highlights the nurturing and loving nature of their relationship. The father’s words are described as a “song,” signifying wisdom, oral tradition, and the lasting influence of a parent’s teachings. Through this theme, the poem illustrates how love transcends time, as the father’s lessons and presence continue to resonate even in his absence.
• Symbolism of Nature and Respect for Life in “My Father’s Song”
• Ortiz uses nature as a central symbol in “My Father’s Song”, linking it to cultural traditions and the respect for life. The act of planting corn represents more than agricultural labor; it symbolizes the connection between generations, cultural continuity, and the reverence for the land. The father’s actions while uncovering the burrow of mice serve as a crucial moment in the poem, where he teaches his son the value of life and care for even the smallest creatures. The phrase, “Very gently, he scooped tiny pink animals into the palm of his hand and told me to touch them,” captures the tenderness with which the father interacts with nature. This moment highlights a lesson in compassion, showing that all living beings deserve kindness and respect. The decision to move the mice to a shaded area further reinforces the theme of stewardship over nature, a key value in many Indigenous cultures. Through this symbolism, Ortiz conveys a message about the importance of respecting life and passing down these values through generations.
• Oral Tradition and the Father’s Voice as a “Song” in “My Father’s Song”
• The concept of oral tradition is central to “My Father’s Song”, with the father’s words metaphorically described as a “song.” The poem’s title itself suggests that the father’s voice carries more than just spoken words—it represents wisdom, storytelling, and cultural teachings passed down through generations. The speaker recalls, “His voice, the slight catch, the depth from his thin chest, the tremble of emotion,” illustrating the power and emotional weight of his father’s words. In many Indigenous cultures, oral storytelling plays a crucial role in preserving history, values, and traditions, and the father’s words serve as a bridge between the past and present. The repeated mention of his father “saying things” suggests that even though the speaker cannot remember every exact word, the essence of his teachings remains deeply ingrained in his mind. By framing his father’s words as a “song,” Ortiz emphasizes the poetic and rhythmic quality of spoken wisdom, reinforcing the theme of generational knowledge and cultural continuity.
• The Role of Sensory Imagery in “My Father’s Song”
• One of the most striking aspects of “My Father’s Song” is Ortiz’s masterful use of sensory imagery to bring memories to life. Throughout the poem, the speaker recalls specific tactile and auditory details that make the experience feel vivid and real. The line, “I remember the soft damp sand in my hand,” allows the reader to physically feel the moment, enhancing the personal connection to the memory. Similarly, the description of the baby mice—“tiny pink animals” and “the very softness of cool and warm sand and tiny alive mice”—creates a sensory experience that immerses the reader in the speaker’s childhood recollection. By focusing on these small yet significant details, Ortiz highlights how memory is often tied to physical sensations. The use of imagery strengthens the poem’s emotional impact, making the father’s presence feel more tangible despite his absence. This reliance on sensory memory also underscores the theme of love and loss, showing how simple moments from the past can leave lasting impressions on the heart and mind.

Literary Theories and “My Father’s Song” by Simon J. Ortiz

Literary Theory	Application to “My Father’s Song”	Reference from the Poem
Reader-Response Theory	This theory emphasizes the reader’s personal interpretation and emotional response. Readers may connect with the poem’s themes of loss, memory, and familial love. The phrase “I miss my father tonight.” evokes deep emotions, making the reader reflect on their own experiences with loved ones.	“I miss my father tonight.” / “I remember the very softness of cool and warm sand and tiny alive mice and my father saying things.”
Postcolonial Theory	Postcolonial theory examines the effects of colonization on Indigenous identity and culture. The poem highlights the importance of oral tradition, storytelling, and generational knowledge in Native American heritage. The father’s “song” represents the preservation of cultural wisdom despite historical oppression.	“His voice, the slight catch, the depth from his thin chest, the tremble of emotion in something he has just said to his son, his song.”
Ecocriticism	Ecocriticism explores the relationship between humans and nature. In the poem, the father’s actions—gently handling the baby mice and planting corn—demonstrate respect for the natural world. The imagery of “soft damp sand” and “tiny pink animals” reinforces the interconnectedness of people and the environment.	“Very gently, he scooped tiny pink animals into the palm of his hand and told me to touch them.” / “We took them to the edge of the field and put them in the shade of a sand moist clod.”
Feminist and Gender Studies	Although the poem focuses on a father-son relationship, it can be analyzed through a gendered lens. The father teaches his son kindness and empathy, qualities often associated with femininity in traditional gender roles. The nurturing actions of the father challenge rigid stereotypes about masculinity.	“His voice, the slight catch, the depth from his thin chest, the tremble of emotion.” / “Very gently, he scooped tiny pink animals into the palm of his hand.”

Critical Questions about “My Father’s Song” by Simon J. Ortiz

• How does “My Father’s Song” emphasize the importance of oral tradition in passing down cultural values?
• In “My Father’s Song”, Simon J. Ortiz highlights the role of oral tradition in preserving cultural values and personal memories. The father’s words are metaphorically described as a “song,” suggesting that his teachings, much like oral stories, carry wisdom and emotional depth. The speaker recalls, “His voice, the slight catch, the depth from his thin chest, the tremble of emotion in something he has just said to his son, his song.” This passage emphasizes how spoken words, rather than written records, shape identity and memory. The father’s voice, filled with emotion, conveys not only knowledge but also deep affection, reinforcing the idea that oral storytelling is more than just transferring information—it is a means of sustaining relationships and cultural heritage. The poem’s free verse structure, without a strict rhyme or meter, mimics natural speech patterns, further reinforcing the theme of oral tradition. By remembering his father’s words even after his passing, the speaker acknowledges the enduring power of oral teachings in shaping identity and understanding.
• In what ways does the poem portray the relationship between humans and nature?
• Ortiz’s “My Father’s Song” presents a deep reverence for nature, emphasizing human responsibility toward all living beings. The father’s gentle handling of the baby mice serves as a lesson in respect and compassion for the natural world. The speaker recalls, “Very gently, he scooped tiny pink animals into the palm of his hand and told me to touch them.” This moment demonstrates the father’s belief that nature should be treated with care, not as something to be dominated or ignored. The imagery of “soft damp sand” and “tiny alive mice” further immerses the reader in the sensory experience, making the lesson feel personal and tangible. By relocating the mice to a shaded area, the father models a relationship with nature that is based on coexistence rather than control. The act of planting corn also symbolizes the connection between humans and the earth, reinforcing the cyclical nature of life. Through these details, the poem encourages an ethic of care toward the environment, reflecting Indigenous perspectives on the interdependence between humans and the natural world.
• How does the use of sensory imagery contribute to the theme of memory and loss?
• Sensory imagery plays a crucial role in “My Father’s Song”, allowing the speaker’s memories of his father to feel vivid and emotionally resonant. The poem relies on touch, sound, and visual details to bring the past to life. The speaker recalls, “I remember the soft damp sand in my hand,” reinforcing how memory is often tied to physical sensations. The contrast between “cool and warm sand” further enhances the tangible nature of the recollection, making it feel immediate and real. By focusing on these small details, Ortiz shows how seemingly insignificant moments—like touching sand or holding tiny mice—can leave lasting impressions. The poem’s structure, which moves seamlessly between past and present, mirrors the way memories resurface unexpectedly, particularly in moments of longing. Even though the father is gone, his presence remains in the speaker’s sensory experiences. The use of vivid imagery allows the poem to capture the bittersweet nature of memory, emphasizing both the warmth of past connections and the ache of their absence.
• What role does the father’s teaching play in shaping the speaker’s understanding of life?
• The father in “My Father’s Song” is not just a parental figure but also a mentor whose actions and words shape the speaker’s perspective on life. Through small yet profound moments, the father imparts lessons about kindness, respect, and responsibility. One of the most significant moments occurs when he pauses to show his son an overturned furrow and the exposed nest of baby mice. Rather than ignoring or harming them, the father carefully moves them to safety, saying, “We took them to the edge of the field and put them in the shade of a sand moist clod.” This act of gentleness teaches the son to value all forms of life, no matter how small. The planting of corn also serves as a metaphor for patience, nurturing, and the continuity of life. Through these experiences, the father instills in his son a sense of compassion and an appreciation for the natural world. His lessons, delivered through action rather than formal instruction, reflect a cultural tradition where wisdom is passed down through lived experience rather than explicit teaching. These teachings continue to shape the speaker’s values long after his father’s passing, demonstrating the lasting impact of parental guidance.

Literary Works Similar to “My Father’s Song” by Simon J. Ortiz

1. “Those Winter Sundays” by Robert Hayden – Like “My Father’s Song”, this poem reflects on a father’s quiet sacrifices and the speaker’s later realization of his love and care. Both poems explore memory, parental influence, and unspoken affection.
2. “Digging” by Seamus Heaney – This poem, like Ortiz’s, focuses on generational traditions and the connection between father and son through labor. Both use vivid imagery of the earth (digging, planting) to symbolize heritage and familial bonds.
3. “The Gift” by Li-Young Lee – Similar to “My Father’s Song”, this poem presents a childhood memory of a father’s gentle teaching. Both emphasize tenderness, sensory imagery, and the long-lasting impact of a father’s guidance.
4. “My Papa’s Waltz” by Theodore Roethke – This poem, like Ortiz’s, captures the complex relationship between father and son through physical interactions and sensory details, blending affection with nostalgia.
5. “Praise Song for My Mother” by Grace Nichols – While about a mother instead of a father, this poem shares “My Father’s Song”’s focus on parental love, memory, and the lasting presence of a parent’s teachings through metaphor and strong imagery.

Representative Quotations of “My Father’s Song” by Simon J. Ortiz

Quotation	Context	Theoretical Perspective
“I miss my father tonight.”	The speaker directly expresses his longing for his father, setting the nostalgic and emotional tone of the poem.	Reader-Response Theory – Encourages readers to connect personally with the emotions of loss and remembrance.
“His voice, the slight catch, the depth from his thin chest, the tremble of emotion in something he has just said to his son, his song.”	Describes the father’s voice and its emotional weight, showing how deeply the son remembers his father’s presence.	Oral Tradition/Postcolonial Theory – The father’s voice symbolizes the passing of knowledge and culture through generations.
“We planted corn one spring at Acu—”	The father and son engage in planting corn, symbolizing tradition, connection to the land, and generational continuity.	Ecocriticism – The act of planting symbolizes sustainability, respect for the land, and the cycle of life.
“My father had stopped at one point to show me an overturned furrow; the plowshare had unearthed the burrow nest of a mouse in the soft moist sand.”	The father notices the disturbed mouse nest, pausing to show his son, demonstrating his attentiveness to nature and his role as a teacher.	Ecocriticism & Reader-Response Theory – Emphasizes human-nature interaction and the father’s role as a mentor.
“Very gently, he scooped tiny pink animals into the palm of his hand and told me to touch them.”	The father handles the baby mice carefully, modeling kindness and respect for life, a lesson passed down to his son.	Feminist and Gender Studies – Challenges rigid masculinity by depicting the father as a nurturing and gentle figure.
“We took them to the edge of the field and put them in the shade of a sand moist clod.”	Instead of leaving the mice exposed, they move them to safety, reinforcing the theme of responsibility and care for nature.	Postcolonial Theory – Suggests Indigenous respect for all life forms and responsibility toward nature.
“I remember the very softness of cool and warm sand and tiny alive mice and my father saying things.”	The sensory details emphasize the vividness of memory and how the father’s presence is deeply ingrained in the speaker’s mind.	Memory Studies – Demonstrates how sensory experiences shape the permanence of memories.
“Wanting to say things,”	The poem begins with the idea of wanting to express something, possibly a reflection on lessons learned or unspoken words between father and son.	Psychoanalytic Criticism – Reflects unexpressed emotions and the subconscious longing for connection.
“the depth from his thin chest,”	Highlights the physical frailty of the father, yet also suggests a deep emotional strength in his teachings and presence.	Masculinity Studies – Explores the contrast between physical fragility and emotional strength in fatherhood.
“We planted several times but this one particular time I remember the soft damp sand in my hand.”	Recalls the specific moment of planting, reinforcing the personal and tactile nature of memory in the poem.	Reader-Response Theory – Highlights how tactile experiences make memories more vivid and emotionally resonant.

Suggested Readings: “My Father’s Song” by Simon J. Ortiz

1. Kim, Seonghoon. “Writing ‘Mother Earth’: Red Power Newspapers, Environmental Justice, and Simon J. Ortiz’s Poetry.” MELUS, vol. 41, no. 2, 2016, pp. 147–75. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/44155245. Accessed 18 Mar. 2025.
2. Ortiz, Simon J. Out there somewhere. Vol. 49. University of Arizona Press, 2002.
3. Ortiz, Simon, et al. “An Interview with Simon Ortiz.” Journal of the Southwest, vol. 31, no. 3, 1989, pp. 362–77. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/40169691. Accessed 18 Mar. 2025.