A Chinese Bowl -- Poetry Response #5

"A Chinese Bowl" can be interpreted as rather gloomy, but I like to see it as more nostalgic than anything. It describes life before things became complicated for the author. In the very beginning, the author is almost childish; the images used are simple, like the “treasure-finding rabbit,” the “shadow of a sparrow’s wing,” and the “satisfying chocks.” Then the author begins to talk about more complex ideas, like the metal cabinet full of folders with “adult” stuff. None of this is all too depressing though, just reminiscent. At least until the last sentence; "What could / I drink from you / clear green tea / or iron-bitter / water / that would renew / my fallen life?" This image of a fallen life is rather depressing. It portrays the regrets the author has and her yearning to make everything better. I think though, that this poem is really a reflection of life. I think that most of it not bitter or regretful.

To Myself -- Poetry Response #4

"To Myself" is a poem that is not quite as interesting as others. It seems to be written as a stream of consciousness. It doesn't have any breaks or punctuation at all. This form of writing is typically a little bit harder to follow. The poem really seems to be the author reminding himself to find himself. This is fairly relatable, but I feel like my definition of "myself" is always being changed at least a little bit. The poem really never comes to a close, so this could be a reflection of a person's continued search for "their self". This poem didn't really have some deep and complicated meaning. This is both good and bad. It is nice to have an uncomplicated poem; however, some meaning makes analysis of the poem seem worthwhile. I didn't enjoy this poem as much as some of the others. I think my biggest issue was how the whole thing sounded like nonsense.

In Blackwater Woods -- Poetry Response #3

"In Blackwater Woods" is a pensive poem. It uses nature to describe or deal with loss. It probably took place after some sort of tragedy that the author has experienced. It uses the metaphor of a fire to show rejuvination. "[T]he fires / and the black river of loss / whose other side / is salvation." The fire is the event that was tragic or painful. The river could be the ashes that follow the fire. These ashes provide nutrients that help plants thrive. This represents rebirth. The author is basically saying that good comes out of bad. She then talks about three things that are needed for a person to live: "to love what is mortal; / to hold it / against you bones knowing / your own life depends on it; / and, when the time comes to let it go, / to let it go." I think these three things are very important. You need to be able to love and embrace something even if it is mortal and be able to let it go when its gone. Of course I could be reading too far into the meaning of the poem. It could simply be a walk in the woods ending in thoughts. Either way, I enjoyed the poem.

P.S. Sorry it's late.

Mr. Fear -- Poetry Response #2

Besides "Wallflower," "Mr. Fear" is my favorite poem in this packet. I love the idea of Fear being a person.  I especially love the line wondering if Fear regrets having to give us fears. This really sets Fear as a personality. It makes Fear seem more human. If Fear is indeed human, then he might have a heart, and if he has a heart, then maybe he can be reasoned with. The whole poem takes this idea of Fear and shrinks it into a very conquerable thing. This view of defeating Fear is one of the reasons I like this poem so much. The structure of the poem is simple. It is arranged in six stanzas, each with four lines. The punctuation follows the sentences, and there is not always a punctuation mark at the end of a line. There is no particular rhyming pattern, yet the poem flows nicely. In the first three stanzas, the author defines Fear. This is the part of the poem in which Fear is personified. In the last three stanzas, the author bargains with Fear, asking for a small fear that can easily be forgotten.