Kicking Against the Pricks

Wording in the King James version of the Bible
speaks of the rods that shepherds have used
to urge animals to go in a desired direction.
The phrase may also serve as a metaphor for
the barbs and punishing pricks against which a
person may have to contend while searching for
independence and self-actualization. Cultural and
gender socialization provide pricks that goad a
person to stay in her/his place in society.
Born during the Great Depression and then
becoming an Army Brat during World War II to
emerge as a young mother and ranch wife during
Texas long drought and fi nally becoming a college
professor, her account covers struggles and
transitions the author experienced through several
historical periods.
Kizer addresses the crises many have faced or
will encounter including the effects of divorce,
rootlessness, economic constraints, alcoholism,
mental illness, suicide, death, and others.