AP English Literature and Composition: Metaphors That Mirror Life

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Reflection on “Holding My Breath”

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Writing Holding My Breath taught me how to transform an everyday part of my life, swimming, into something deeper and symbolic. I realized that poetry does not always need to focus on grand events; it can emerge from small, repetitive routines that reveal bigger truths about resilience, patience, and identity. Through this piece, I learned how to use imagery and metaphor to connect my physical experiences in the pool with my internal struggles and growth.

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This assignment encouraged me to move beyond simply describing an activity and instead explore what it means to me on a personal level. I grew by being more vulnerable in my writing, capturing the mix of frustration, humor, and determination that swimming brings into my life. It was valuable because it reminded me that my passions outside the classroom shape who I am just as much as academics do. Writing this poem helped me see swimming not only as a sport but also as a metaphor for perseverance and finding balance in life.