Language:
Greenfield uses simple, accessible language that effectively conveys the poem's themes and emotions. The language is often metaphorical and evocative, with imagery and symbolism used to create a vivid and sensory experience for the reader. For example, the poem refers to a "treasure chest of memories" and describes the keepsake as a "tiny key" that unlocks "the door of the past."
Tone:
The tone of the poem is wistful and reflective, with a sense of nostalgia and longing for the past. The speaker reminisces about the memories associated with the keepsake, and the poem conveys a sense of the emotional weight and significance of these memories.
Meaning:
The poem's central theme is the power of objects to evoke memories and emotions, and how these objects can serve as tangible links to the past. The keepsake in the poem is a physical representation of a significant event or relationship from the speaker's life, and the poem explores how this object can transport the speaker back to that time and place.
Structure:
The poem is written in free verse, without a formal rhyme scheme or meter. However, the poem does have a rhythmic and musical quality, with the use of repetition and parallel structure. The repetition of certain words and phrases, such as "keepsake" and "remember," creates a sense of emphasis and reinforces the poem's central themes. The parallel structure of some of the lines, such as "I found it one day" and "I knew it was important," contributes to the poem's coherence and unity.
Overall, "Keepsake" is a skillful and evocative poem that uses simple language, imagery, and symbolism to explore themes of memory, nostalgia, and the emotional significance of objects. The free verse structure and the use of repetition and parallel structure contribute to the poem's rhythm, musicality, and overall impact.