The New Criticism in "My Papa's Waltz" Questions for response line 13 - "on my head" Lines 11-13 invert head and feet (the feet usually keep the beat of a dance, whereas here the head marks it) in a movement reflected by the poem's rhyme scheme (ABAB, or, turning around on itself). What, would a New Critic suggest, is the significance of this progression? Bedford/St. Martin's | Order a Book | Instructor Registration | Contact Us | Contact Your Sales Representative