In the poem "Filling Station", E. Bishop describes in detail a family run business. While initially painting a negative picture of a dirty filling station the poet is then able to capture the beauty of it by using vivid details and imagery. The reader is given the ability to look beyond the surface and find love and beauty in the most unexpected of places.
With short lines and elaborate detail Bishop describes the unpleasant atmosphere that is the filling station. The poem's first line states "Oh, but it is dirty!"(1), and goes on to describe a father in his "oil-soaked monkey suit"(5), and his "greasy sons assist him"(11).
The reader then goes on to question if this family lives at the filling station. Bishop describes what appear to be loving, feminine touches placed throughout the filling station. There are comic books "they lie upon a big dim doily" (23/24) and even a big begonia. A dirty dog lies comfortably on a wicker sofa.
Through questioning Bishop has the reader wondering who placed all of these little, loving touches in the filling station. Who embroidered the doily? Who waters the plant? She encourages the reader see past the initial appearance of the filling station and look for a deeper meaning.
The poem ends with a bold statement "Somebody loves us all", which is meant to remind the reader that everyone, no matter what the circumstances, has someone that loves them.
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