"The Boat"

"The Boat" is a narrative poem by Alistair MacLeod that explores themes of family, heritage, and personal identity. It tells the story of a young boy growing up in Cape Breton, Canada, where his father teaches him to row a boat and imparts life lessons about perseverance, tradition, and the importance of community. The boat symbolizes both a physical connection to their cultural roots and a metaphor for life’s journey, emphasizing the significance of maintaining one’s cultural heritage while navigating personal growth and change.