In other words he creates themes everyone understands. Even though he uses local images, the themes he discusses are universal. Thus everyone can read his work and enjoy the images contained therein in different ways. Stephenson uses the comparison of poetry and childhood. He thinks poetry is like childhood because it is a world everyone knows.
Childhood is alive in a way that poetry is alive.
As children we want to know where we come from and who we are. Therefore another theme Shelby uses is our search for roots . People should not forget their childhood. The title, Poor People , should be taken literally. Stephenson explores themes of racism and poverty and their effects on society.