I walk to the corner and wait. I used to be bad at waiting. They also serve who only stand and wait, said Aunt Lydia. She made us memorize it. She also said, Not all of you will make it through. Some of you will fall on dry ground or thorns. Some of you are shallow-rooted. She had a mole on her chin that went up and down while she talked. She said, Think of yourselves as seeds, and right then her voice was wheedling, conspiratorial, like the voices of those women who used to teach ballet classes to children, and who would say, Arms up in the air now; let's pretend we're trees.
The narrator reflects on their experience of waiting, mentioning how they used to struggle with it. Aunt Lydia, a figure of authority, emphasizes the importance of waiting, stating that even those who are waiting serve a purpose. The quote is symbolic, suggesting that enduring hardship is valuable, even if not everyone will succeed in their struggles. This theme of resilience resonates through Aunt Lydia's teachings, which underline the varying strengths and weaknesses of individuals, comparing them to seeds that may not thrive equally.
Aunt Lydia’s metaphor illustrates vulnerability and the harsh realities faced by women in their society. As she speaks, her demeanor reminds the narrator of nurturing figures like ballet instructors, yet her words carry a sinister undertone. The comparison to seeds highlights the idea of potential but also the risk of failure. The atmosphere is charged with both hope and despair, as Aunt Lydia's insistence on the unpredictability of survival intertwines with a sense of community found in shared challenges, leaving a lasting impression on the narrator.
