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.