"Long ago" (Sexton 78) connotes the act of storytelling; the poetic speaker uses this phrase as a nod to traditional folktales and their power to influence. For example, most people are probably familiar with the phrase "once upon a time." Many popular tales of children begin with the phrase. These tales, as memorable pieces of childhood, must contribute in some way to people's growth. Therefore, they are very influential. The poetic speaker's statement on storytelling is further realized through the additional phrase of "[i]n the beginning" (Sexton 83). "In the beginning" (Sexton 83) is how the book of Genesis begins, which is one of the world's oldest stories that has influenced millions of religious people. In using these common phrases of storytelling, the poetic speaker evidently is making a statement on the power of storytelling.

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Alex Leoncio