The human emotions and experiences expressed in "The Whipping" and "My Papa's Waltz" "The Whipping" and "My Papa's Waltz" both deal with critical topics and serious issues that reside in the human mind. The problems faced may be seen as hurtful, emotional, or confusing. These childhood memories may be easily revisited by adults and their life experiences can be seen differently as they enter adulthood Both pleasant and unpleasant memories remain with a person throughout their life his journey through his eyes as a child. Of the areas discussed is the potential for abuse and inappropriate behavior in the two poems "The Whipping" shows a neighbor witnessing an abusive relationship between a mother and her child as she is brought back to her past frightening. As the neighbor looks at the child, she recalls memories and facial expressions of her mother as she states, “Words could bring, the face I no longer knew or loved…” (lines 17-19). “My Papa's Waltz”, however, demonstrates the possible inappropriate behavior of a father towards his son. The father shows lack of concern for his son when he states that the hand holding my wrist had an affected knuckle; with every step you missed my right ear scratched a buckle. (lines 9-12) His actions towards his son are not portrayed correctly. However, some viewers may see this as a playful and loving relationship. The second area under discussion is… the central part of the article… the experiences of their readers. The poems express critical and serious issues surrounding readers' heartfelt childhood memories. The surrounding circumstances and situations are different in every family. Readers are personally drawn to expressions of abuse, emotional problems, and confusion as the poets take them on a journey through their personal life experiences from childhood to adulthood. These experiences are carried forward throughout a person's life. Readers are in a sense forced to immediately approach the characters and relate to them on a personal level. Quotes page "My Papas Waltz". 123HelpMe.com. January 24, 2010."The whipping." Suite 101.com. January 24th 2010.