1. Father-Son Relationship: Both poems explore the complex and evolving relationship between a father and his son. "Follower" depicts the son learning to emulate his father's skills, while "Walking Away" portrays the son growing independent and leaving the father behind.
2. Cycles of Life and Transition: Both poems explore the cyclical nature of life and the inevitable transitions that occur, such as the son growing up and the father growing older. "Follower" suggests a cyclical passing of knowledge and skill, while "Walking Away" highlights the transition from dependence to independence.
3. The Nature of Love and Letting Go: Both poems explore the difficult balance between love and letting go. "Follower" suggests the father's love for his son, while also hinting at the bittersweetness of the son eventually surpassing him. "Walking Away" explicitly addresses the father's conflicting emotions of pride and loss as he watches his son walk away.
4. Use of Imagery and Symbolism: Both poems employ vivid imagery and symbolism to convey their themes. "Follower" utilizes images of plowing and walking in the fields, representing the father's legacy and the son's journey. "Walking Away" uses imagery of a forest and a path, representing the son's journey towards independence and the father's fear of losing him.
5. Focus on Memory and Nostalgia: Both poems evoke a sense of memory and nostalgia. "Follower" reflects on the past, revisiting the father-son bond, while "Walking Away" is a reflection on a moment of transition and the subsequent memories.
6. Structure and Tone: While their structures are different, both poems employ a simple yet impactful style. "Follower" uses a regular rhyme scheme and straightforward language, while "Walking Away" features free verse with a contemplative tone. Both poems convey a sense of emotional honesty and directness.
In essence, both poems explore the complexities of father-son relationships, the bittersweet nature of growth and change, and the challenges of love and letting go. Though their perspectives differ, "Follower" and "Walking Away" offer profound insights into the shared experiences of family, time, and human connection.