Mr. Z

Usually when I read a satirical poem, I do not immediately understand the message. Mr. Z's message seemed more obvious and not hidden by metaphors. The poem did contain metaphors such as "matched chameleon" and "an airborne plant, flourishing without roots." In regards to the first metaphor, the author is saying that Mr. Z and his bride so not have one skin that identifies them. Instead, they change their colors to match what they perceive to be what society expects of them. It also implies that they can change their colors easily, that they have adapted to blending into society. The other metaphor about "flourishing without roots" means that the pair create their own success without reflecting on their past. They are not connected to their history and their heritage; in fact, they try to avoid such connections. The author was criticizing society that caused Mr. Z to be ashamed of his heritage, and he illustrated this point through the life of Mr. Z. The man of the poem is not given a name because the message does not apply to just one person; it is almost like an "insert name here."