In Scaffolding, Heaney presents his relationship as something that is secure and strong despite dangers and risks through the constant effort necessary to maintain a loving bond. The poem uses its structure to portray a sense of strength and unity. The 5 two lined stanzas that utilize rhyming couplets are representative of the 'planks' and 'bridges' that joint Scaffolding together. Furthermore, in the second stanza, the lines end with the words 'points' and 'joints', creating connection and strength in the rhyme. The overall effect is that of confidence and assurance, suggesting he feels that their relationship is powerful and can withstand possible pressures. Throughout the poem, Heaney uses the contrasting semantic fields of strength, mirroring the structure of the poem, with risk and danger. Words such as 'secure', 'tighten', 'sure' and 'solid' juxtapose with 'careful', 'slip', 'test' and then later in the poem, 'breaking' to show the tension that seems constant in keeping the relationship safe. Ultimately, this seems to serve as justification for the ongoing work needed, presented through the extended metaphor of 'Masons', in order to keep the relationship strong and unwavering. Furthermore, Heaney presents his relationship as clearly able to withstand when he says: 'So if, my dear, there sometimes seems' The caesura, present again in the final stanza after 'Never fear.' creates a pause, almost like an aside, exuding confidence and strength. Finally, the overall simplicity of the presentation, with the imagery of labour and manual work along with the final monosyllabic statement 'we have built our wall.' portrays a confidence and honesty seemingly in contrast to other love poetry. Instead it seems to value the difficulty of maintaining a relationship, and accepts it as a valuable part of it, rather than romanticizing love as something either without challenge or all conquering.