Pay close attention to the poems: “I run into Dad’s room,” “Behind Closed Doors,” “Text Messages from Mom, Part One,” and “At Noon, in the Gym, with Dad.” How does each of these poems convey important information about the boys’ dad’s health problems? What connections do you see between modern social injustices and the events in The Crossover?
In the poem “I run into Dad’s room,” the speaker describes how he finds his father in bed, breathing heavily and sweating. This conveys important information about the father's health problems, as it suggests that he may be suffering from a serious illness or experiencing a health crisis.
In “Behind Closed Doors,” the speaker reveals that their father is experiencing chest pain and has to be taken to the hospital. This indicates that the father is dealing with cardiovascular issues or other serious health concerns.
In “Text Messages from Mom, Part One,” the mother expresses her worry about the father's health and asks the speaker to check on him. This highlights the ongoing concern and stress that the family is experiencing due to the father's health problems.
In “At Noon, in the Gym, with Dad,” the speaker describes how their father collapses during a basketball game, further emphasizing the severity of his health issues and the impact it has on the family.
These poems collectively convey the father's declining health, the physical and emotional toll it takes on him and his family, and the sense of urgency and fear surrounding his condition.
In terms of connections to modern social injustices, the events in The Crossover can be seen as reflecting systemic issues related to healthcare accessibility, particularly in underserved communities where individuals may not have adequate access to preventive care or timely treatment for health concerns. Additionally, the stress and strain on the family due to the father's health problems may parallel the impact of economic disparities and lack of social support in marginalized communities. Overall, the poems shed light on the personal and familial implications of health disparities and the need for greater awareness and support for individuals and families facing similar challenges.