At Noon, in the Gym, with Dad People watching Players boasting

Question

At Noon, in the Gym, with Dad People watching Players boasting

Me scoring
Dad snoring
Crowd growing
We balling
Me pumping
Dad jumping
Me faking
Nasty shot
Nasty moves
Five-zero
My lead
Next play
Dribble bounce
Dribble steal
Dad laughs
Palms ball
You okay?
Dad winks
Watch this
He dips
Sweat drips
Left y"all
Right y/all
I falle
Crowd wild
Dad drives
Steps strides
Runs fast
Hoop bound
Stutter steps
Lets loose
Screams loud
Stands still
Breath short
More sweat
Grabs chest
Eyes roll
Ball drops
Dad drops
I scream
"Help, please"
Sweet Tea
Dials cell
Jordan runs
Brings water
Splashes face
Dad nothing
Out cold
I remember
Gym class
Tilt pinch
Blow pump
Blow pump
Still nothing
Blow pump
Sirens blast
Pulse gone
Byes shut.

Use the notes from your reading of "Third Quarter" to answer the question.
How does the form of "At Noon, in the Gym, with Dad" help tell the story?
(1 point)
• The short lines enhance the emotional effect of the lines at the end about the father.
• The focus on playing basketball makes the reader feel distanced from what happens to the father
• The switch to the narrator's memory of gym class lightens the emotional impact of the poem.
• The repeated use of -ing verbs emphasizes the father's skill on the court.

Answer 1

The short lines in the poem help convey the quick and intense nature of the basketball game being played between the narrator and their father. Additionally, the enjambment in the poem creates a sense of urgency and movement, mirroring the action on the court. The use of present tense verbs also brings a sense of immediacy to the poem, making the reader feel as though they are right there in the gym witnessing the events unfold. Finally, the abrupt ending of the poem with the father's collapse and subsequent death leaves a lasting impact on the reader, highlighting the sudden and tragic turn of events.