Summary
The individuals in the poem are trying to remind each other of what they had agreed between themselves. That they remind each other of what they had agreed themselves and that they should be one common unit working in unity and that whatever they plan, they should do it with confidence, keen, and attentiveness. The poem also states that they must be determined and ready to face any challenge.
Analysis
The whole of this poem is a simile that takes resemblance and comparisons of what happened and are happening now to a group of individuals. The author, Momaday in line 1 and 2 tries to bring some understanding on some of the decisions made. They draw the new decision to act in unity that is guided by determination from their previous relationship. Their statement is more of a resolution to depart from their previous way of relating to adapting to a smoother and more commonly agreed modern way of life. It is imperative that they did not formerly work in unison.
Momaday in line 1 of the poem never stated what kept them from understanding the comparison of the past and the present parties’ relationship. For instance, the way they have decided to act now and henceforth helps us understand their past relationship. “That now we are as deer that walk in a single file,” implies that they have now decided to co-operate unlike in the past. This simile gives past and present practices, as it is indicated by, “In a single file, with heads high, with ears forward, with eyes watchful, with hooves always placed on firm ground,” is descriptive of the steady manner they have decided now to adopt together, unlike the past.
Conclusion
The poem has detailed line by line the way the parties in the poem carry themselves. “Who walk in a single file,” depicting agreement, “with heads high”’ with confidence, “with ears forward and eyes watchful,” are implying keenness. The last line, “with hooves always placed on the ground in whose hooves always placed firm in their relationship. Implies that they cannot be shaken off their focus easily, but they can maneuver any challenge with ease.