The "great hawk of the beach", a bird of prey, is "hunting" for victims. It is "outstretched, point to point," implying that one cannot escape from its grasp. The speaker clearly states that ridicule is the "pistol that kills women, that gets them killed," and cripples men. "Spattered" is also a violent word, implying gore; since it is normally used in the context of blood.
The initial impact of the poem is strong, since hard, explosive consonants are used throughout, once more connoting violence. The repeated enjambments and disjointed lines contribute significantly to making it harsh and abrasive, and further the general violent tone. Overall the sound of the poem is discordant since hard words are put into the lines, with great effect. The lack of rhythm is a reflection of the general unacceptability of people who cannot or will not conform. .
The title itself, "On Home Beaches," has war overtones, alluding to the D-Day landings at Normandy in France, during World War II. It also compares certain aspects of home to a beach. At home, inhibitions and masks are shed, and we become vulnerable emotionally. On a beach, clothes are shed, making us vulnerable physically.
There are no euphemisms in this poem. The poet uses severe words and phrases like fatter, belch, horror, pit edge, pistol shot, ridicule, glare, hawk, hunting, kills, crippling, etc to make the poem hard-hitting. .
Although the perfect body image has morphed from decade to decade, according to changing times and values, scorn for those unable to achieve that image has not changed over the years. The poet refers to a shift in times, with "back, in my fifties," and "at this age." .
The poem shifts between relating a personal experience, stating general observations, and talking directly to the reader. In the octet, the speaker of the piece is describing a personal experience- "I step on the sand". In line nine the speaker addresses the reader directly- "You peer".
