In Theodore Roethke’s “My Papa’s Waltz,” the young narrator perfectly exhibits the innocence of a child and their love for a parent. His tone shows the struggle and dedication to loving his father and looking up to him despite his poor habits and unreasonable behavior. Roethke acknowledges that his father has issues, but he does not let these stop the unconditional love and respect that he has for him. The bond between a child and a parent is indescribably powerful and genuine, which is how Roethke pictures his feelings towards his father regardless of the serious problems at hand. Roethke shows how a child’s innocence allows them to see through the stress, and negative actions that a parent may possess, and trust in them because of their need for security, love, and comfort.  

Right away, the narrator recognizes yet excuses his father’s negative distractions that for some may be intolerable. Roethke reassures the audience of his disconcern for his father’s drinking habits, while noting the slight strain it puts on their relationship as he mentions, “But I hung on like death: Such waltzing was not easy” (Roethke, 90). Although he admits his father is an alcoholic, this seems to have no effect on his love for him or his desire to have a close relationship with him. As a young man, the narrator possesses a sense of innocence that allows him to disregard his father’s drinking habit and look past this obstacle while still looking to maintain the special father-son relationship sought by most. He looks at his alcoholism not as a selfish obsession, but rather as a way of relieving the stress put on him through the responsibility of providing for his family. To some this father may seem abusive and egotistical, but to Roethke, he is a hardworking man struggling to take care of his family, and uses alcohol as a way to cope with the strain of responsibility. Before anything, Roethke accepts his dad for all his problems as someone he can look up to and count on to take care of him financially and physically no matter the circumstances. 

This child’s view of his father appears to be much different than that of his mother, which exemplifies the contrast between the empathy and innocence of an adult and a child. While the narrator continues to accept his father’s unhealthy habit, he explains his mother’s discontentment with his behavior as he notes, “My mother’s countenance Could not unfrown itself” (Roethke, 91). Unlike her son, the mother does not excuse the father of his actions, and the emotional consequences it has placed on her specifically. As an adult, she seems to have shed the layer of innocence and ability to forgive and excuse others easily. Her son however clings to his innocence and uses it to his advantage when it comes to maintaining a close relationship with his father. As a growing individual who needs a role model, protector, and provider, Roethke looks far past his father’s alcoholism focusing on his dedication to being a father and head of the household. 

Though some may interpret the father’s rough nature as abusive or aggressive, to Roethke it appears to be his way of stepping up as a man to uphold his responsibilities as head of the family. The father’s hands, which the narrator describes, “With a palm caked hard by dirt” (Roethke, 91),  shows the manual labor he must perform in order to financially support his family. Roethke shows his unending support and respect for his father, who cares for his son so much that even at the end of a long, hard day he takes the time to put his son to bed and spend time with him. Though an adult may see this man as an irresponsible or selfish person because of his drinking problem, his innocent child sees through this simple issue and looks at a man who is loving and caring on the inside, because all he seeks is his father’s approval and love in the end. 

Children tend to be blind to many forms of negativity in life, especially when it comes to those they love and care for such as a parent. It is easy for a child to let go of bad experiences or traits people may possess, as they seem to always find the good in others. Their lack of life experience and exposure to the real world keeps them more pure and sheltered, as they see the best instead of the worst in people. Roethke overlooks his father’s alcoholism and focuses on the person he knows his father is on the inside. Only the heart of a child is capable of such love, empathy, and compassion needed to seal the bond between a child and parent. Their openness to love and willingness to hold on tight despite all obstacles makes it easier for parents or other adults to want to provide them with the love and protection needed to develop properly. Humans need a support system in order to survive, which is why children tend to be more loving and accepting of others. 
