Between the three poems that we read for class, my favorite was Rossetti's "Song." I believe that this was my favorite because I was enamored by the tone and beauty of the words. I can not help but think of the poem by Mary Elizabeth Frye "Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep" while reading this poem. I feel that the author is telling those close to her that it is okay to move on with life. The speaker will not need frivolities at her grave because she will not know of them. She is telling the reader that it is okay to remember the good times, but that they should forget how terrible the feeling of loss is. This poem speaks to anyone that has dealt with loss, and I believe that the author may help many to get past their grief and on to healing through this poem.
The second poem was Marilyn Hacker's "Villanelle." I enjoyed reading this poem, but not as much as the first. I agree with the author that "every day we separate." I feel that we do separate and change and mold new aspects of our life into a new self. This poem had a beautiful message!
The last poem was Sir Thomas Wyatt's "They Flee from me." I could not help but feel that this poem is about prostitution. I believe that the author is describing his various encounters with prostitutes, and how once they have had use of each other they are free to move on. I do not know why, but I can not gain any positive influence from this work. I prefer poems that promote emotion or further thinking. I have never truly enjoyed poems that do not provide emotion, humor, or a deeper understanding. Maybe I am missing something in Wyatt's poem, but I did not gain anything from it. What about you? Which did you prefer? Did you gain something from Wyatt's poem? If so, then please fill me in!
I also preferred "Song" to the other two poems, and I agree with your perspective of it telling her loved one to move on with their life after she is gone. Having dealt with loss I can attest to the fact that we all eventually move on, and it becomes easier to deal with once we stop harping on the loss we feel and remember the happier times. Personally, I am too self-centered, and I don't believe I could live with the idea that someone will eventually forget all about me, but I understand it is inevitable.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I feel that Wyatt's poem was also about prostitution or maybe about him being a 'monster' who scares away all the women he would wish to be a part of his life. That poem had me stumbling over my words when I read it aloud, and while it was beautifully written and definitely painted the picture of a skittish deer in the woods who becomes a beautiful woman I found it tough to get through.
"Song" was a beautiful poem and it made me choke up a little because it's a loved one telling her loved ones that it's okay to move on but I would never want to forget about that person.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you about Wyatt's poem. I was almost going to talk about that poem but couldn't find the words to describe what it was talking about and I think you got it. It seems to be what you said and it's about prostitution.
I did prefer "Song" over the other two. It was just easier to relate to since death is a part of being human and, in my opinion, was much more beautiful than the other two.
ReplyDeleteI'm happy you mentioned that Wyatt's poem was about prostitution (well happy in the sense you mentioned not that the poem itself is about prostitution). I came to the same conclusion when I read it, but didn't mention it.