2.ANY WOMAN

The poem "Any Woman" by Katherine Tynan is a tribute to the essential role of a woman in a family and society. The poet uses powerful metaphorical images to depict the woman as the pillar, keystone, roof, and wall of a house. These images suggest that the woman's role is pivotal, and without her, the family and society will crumble down.

The poet also highlights the sacrificial love of a woman, symbolized through "fire upon the hearth," "light of good sun," and "heat warming the earth, light of love." These images convey the warmth and care that a woman provides to her family, making it a safe and loving haven for all. The "sacred ring" represents the bond that a woman shares with her family, keeping everyone together and preventing anyone from going astray.

The repetition of "I am" throughout the poem emphasizes the woman's identity and importance. The woman is not just a homemaker, but she also possesses the virtues of patience and omnipresence, represented through the images of "floor to roof" and "warp and woof." These images suggest that a woman's role is not confined to a single aspect, but it extends to every aspect of family life.

The poem concludes with an allusion to the birth of Jesus Christ, symbolizing the unique and deifying role of any woman. The prayer in the closing couplet highlights the importance of a woman's role in ensuring the safe and well-settled future of her children.

In summary, "Any Woman" is a humble expression of the supreme role of a woman in a family and society. The poet uses metaphorical images, repetition, and allusion to emphasize the importance of a woman's role and identity. The poem is an eye-opener to the reality of the empowering and enterprising force of a woman that remains unrecognized and unappreciated in many societies.