At Ogmore-by-Sea this August Evening

I believe that this poem is about the loss that Abse feels towards his father and how this links to music. Therefore I believe that the main themes in this poem are family, loss and music.
I feel that this poem through the loss of his father can link to 'Reference Back' as both poems show a connection to their loved one through music. In 'Reference Back' it is Larkin's mother.
One of the things that I found interesting about this poem was the focus on music throughout the poem. This can be seen in "Bach", "violinist and violin", "music summons night" and "solemn record". "Solemn record" can also link to the loss of his father with the music now reflecting his mood and feelings.
Another thing that I found interesting was the quote "Here, Father, here, tonight" as it suggests that Abse can not let go of his father and is extremely saddened by his loss. It also seems as though his world has been made smaller and less important which can also be seen in "nothing but the tumult of the sea" which suggests that all that he has left with him now is the noise that the sea produces and that nothing else of his memory with his father still remains.
Another thing that I found interesting about this poem was the quote "ordered carnival" which is an oxymoron as it suggests organised chaos which can not happen.

Sons

I believe that Sons is about the connection and the relationship that Abse shares with his son and the positivity that he has for his family. 'Sons' I believe also shows a comparison between the life that his son leads and the life that Abse led and his age. Therefore, the main themes that I believe are in this poem are relationships, love and family.
Due to this, I believe that this immediately links to 'Dockery and Son' by Larkin, as Larkin is very negative towards family and the thought of bringing up children whereas Abse is very positive towards family and the connection that you feel between yourself and your children. The shows a comparison between Abse and Larkin. You can also link 'Sons' to 'Afternoons' by Larkin through the inclusion of children in both poems.
One of the things that I found interesting about this poem was the rhyme scheme that Abse chose to use. This can be seen in "way" and "day"; "dash" and "brash"; "hide", "abide" and "side" and "quite", "night" and "bright". This rhyme scheme is regular which suggests that his relationship with his son is also and that there is a parallel connection between the father and son.
Another thing that I found interesting about this poem was the line "Too soon maturity will switch off your night". I believe that this suggests that Abse is trying to warn his son to spend his time wisely and to enjoy being young while he can. I also feel that Abse wishes he was still at that age when things were easier than they are now. This also links in with the line "Now my son is like that" which suggests that when he was that age, he was doing the exact same thing. This could suggest that linking with the first line that he wishes he'd have done things differently and this is therefore why he is warning his son not to do the same.
I also found the structure quite interesting as the first stanza focuses on the reflection of his own life while the rest of the stanzas focus on his son's life.

Imitations

I believe that 'Imitations' by Abse is about family and the intimacy within relationships between parent and child. I believe that the main themes in this poem are family, love and relationships. This therefore links to another poem by Dannie Abse called 'Sons' as both poems link to the same idea.
I feel that 'Imitations' can be linked to 'Dockery and Son' by Larkin as they both talk about family however, Abse reflects on family in a positive way whereas Larkin is quite negative towards the idea of family. You can also link 'Afternoons' in with 'Imitations' as they are both focus on children and the parents connection.
One thing that I found interesting about this poem was the line "He is my chameleon, my soft diamond, my delicious evergreen". This is a rule of three which refelcts how much his son means to him. He also uses a metaphor with each description which provides quite a calming and peaceful image.