Discuss what functions of poetic writing the author of this poem is using? What is the poem expressing? Who is the speaker? Auditor? What is the rhyme scheme? Meter?

Homage to my hips
These hips are big hips
they need space to
move around in.
They don't fit in little
pretty place. These hips
are free hips.
They don't like to be held back.
These hips have never been enslaved,
they go where they want to go
they do what they want to do.
These hips are mighty hips.
These hips are magic hips.
I have known them
to put a spell on a man and
spin him like a top!

The speaker is clearly a woman.

The auditor? To whom do you think she's speaking?

There is no rhyme scheme other than repeating the word "hips" at the ends of lines 1, 2, 6, 7, 12, and 13.

There is also no particular meter. To have an identifiable meter, there have to be the same number of syllables in each line, and the pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables needs to be clear.

This particular poem is in a form known as "free verse" -- http://www.lausd.k12.ca.us/lausd/resources/Literary.Terms.2.html#Free%20Verse

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Thank you so much for your help!

The author of this poem is using various functions of poetic writing to convey their message. Let's discuss these functions and analyze the poem further.

1. Imagery: The author employs vivid imagery to depict the significance and power of the hips. The description of the hips being "big hips" and needing space to move around creates a visual image for the reader.

2. Metaphor: The hips are presented as more than just a physical body part; they symbolize freedom, independence, and strength. By associating them with attributes like being "free hips" and "mighty hips," the author uses metaphorical language to convey a deeper meaning.

3. Repetition: The repetition of phrases like "These hips" emphasizes their importance and highlights their significance throughout the poem. This repetition serves to reinforce the message of freedom, power, and autonomy associated with the hips.

4. Enjambment: The use of enjambment, where lines continue without pause or punctuation, helps create a sense of flow and movement, mirroring the idea of the hips themselves. This technique adds to the overall rhythm and musicality of the poem.

Now, let's explore what the poem is expressing. "Homage to my hips" is a celebration of the speaker's body and, specifically, her hips. The poem expresses a sense of pride and empowerment, emphasizing the idea that the speaker's hips are not meant to conform to societal expectations of beauty or behavior. The hips symbolize strength, independence, and freedom, and the speaker relishes in their power.

The speaker in the poem is the one expressing her admiration and appreciation for her own hips. The poem is a self-reflective monologue from the speaker's perspective.

In terms of rhyme scheme, this poem does not strictly follow a specific pattern. It is written in free verse, which means it does not adhere to a regular rhyme scheme or meter. Instead, the focus is on the rhythmic and musical qualities of the language and the message being conveyed.

Similarly, the poem does not strictly follow a specific meter. It is characterized by a more conversational and flowing rhythm rather than adhering to a structured meter like iambic pentameter or tetrameter. The use of enjambment and the overall fluidity of the lines contribute to the poem's rhythmic quality.

In summary, "Homage to my hips" employs imagery, metaphor, repetition, and enjambment to celebrate the power and autonomy of the speaker's hips. It expresses a sense of pride and defiance against societal expectations. The poem is written in free verse, without a strict rhyme scheme or meter, but focuses on the musicality and rhythm of the language to convey its message.