Maria Mazziotti Gillan - 'What Did I Want'

The transcript reflects on a poem about unfulfilled childhood dreams and the struggle to understand desires. It describes a classroom setting with a strict teacher, the monotony of daily life, and the escape into imagination and books. The narrative highlights the contrast between the gray reality of an Italian neighborhood and the vibrant possibilities found in literature.

What dreams does the speaker have while sitting in class?

In what ways does the poem reflect the speaker's childhood experiences?