One of the things that interested me about the structure of this poem was the rhyme scheme that Abse chose to use. The rhyme scheme is regular as the first and last lines of each stanza either rhyme of half-rhyme. This can be seen in "joy" and "toy" and "stood" and "blood". This linked in with the regular stanza pattern of four lines each could suggest that Abse's religion and beliefs are what gives his life structure and purpose.
This poem represents many views that Dannie Abse has about his religion and one of these can be seen in "It was my shame, it was my joy". This is a paradox which could suggest that being Jewish brings out the best and worst in him. The idea that his religion brings out the best in him can be supported with the quote "soared" which suggests that his religion and belief increases his happiness. It can also be seen in this poem that being Jewish made Abse the man he is as he states that being Jewish "cannot be denied".
However, throughout this poem it is not just his opinion that we find out about his beliefs but that of others and how they treated Dannie Abse. This can be seen in "give up your red balloon" which suggests that people were not respecting towards his religion so made it clear that they wanted him to give up his religion. It would have hard for Abse to have been accepted as a Jew in Wales at the time when Anti-Semitism was high so would have therefore been a victim to bullying. It can also be seen that his religion would have surprised his neighbours and friends as he chose to use the phrase "startled town" in 'Red Balloon'. Abse has also chosen to use "bled my nose" as a way in which they treated him which relates to a stereotypical view of Jew's as they were accused of having 'long noses'.
'Red Balloon' links to 'Water' by Larkin as it links to the fact that both poems are centred around beliefs. They also link as in 'Water', Larkin is mocking religion whereas in 'Red Balloon' people are mocking Abse's beliefs and religion.
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