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Comment 13 of 13, added on July 20th, 2006 at 6:46 AM.
This is a poem that does throw the reader. The images at the beginning seem not to connect, with the strongest lines of her wonderment of going through the doors of death. However, the lines and images do all work together. Death is never an easy subject, especially if there has been a recent departing in one's circle of friends or family. Poets take on the challenge of giving a framework of emotions that help heal--or to at least to ponder.
I would encourage everyone not to rush through this poem, but try to join the poet as she weaves her journey to the unknown. You may also want to read Langston Hughes' "Dear Lovely Death". It is a poem that I find myself reading many times.
dallas from United States
Comment 12 of 13, added on July 19th, 2006 at 10:46 PM.
In Mary Oliver poems there are always questions (sans punctuation marks). This is an important part of the pleasure in reading her work. The questions are private, personal, and little surprises that awaken your imagination. Rewarding and thoughtful.
Sunny Bartholomew from United States
Comment 11 of 13, added on May 2nd, 2006 at 11:49 AM.
Wow. This poem is horrible. The poet uses boring, cliched adjectives and never reaches a point. Is it a stroy? What she's thinking about? A bunch of random statements about death? I don't know. She seems to change her standpoint on death too. I'd say this creatively challenged poet was in it for the money but I can't see a poet making a lot of money.
Randy William Rhoads from United States
Comment 10 of 13, added on October 17th, 2005 at 6:03 AM.
This poem is unbelievably moving. Everytime I read it, I can't stop the tears from running down my face. Earlier this year I lost someone very close to my heart and struggled greatly to deal with my loss. This poem comforts me as I fear death, not of myself, but of everyone whom I love. I love the lines "and I look upon time as no more than an idea,
and I consider eternity as another possibility," as they give me the hope of something better after this life, for all my loved ones who deserve better...x
Suzanne from United Kingdom
Comment 9 of 13, added on October 13th, 2005 at 5:24 AM.
my best friends father died.just yesterday.in a peaceful slumber.wether he passed drifting in a dream or awoke to a stabbing pain in his heart.he was a great man.he was a father to four children,two of wich are infants,maybe this this poem could help the broken family but not even do i have the strenghth to stand by my friends side at the funeral.his father was 43,mine is 60.i am no great mind but this does not seem fair.i will do what i can with my feeble words if i can muster them from behind my confused heart.plese,pray for this family.thankyou
ben from United Kingdom
Comment 8 of 13, added on September 10th, 2005 at 7:58 PM.
I know it was jarring, but isn't the very truth of our souls always that way. Sometimes we write a beautiful poem not just for its beauty but for its acceptance, and applause, which I gladdly give. I am christian, lets jut get that out of the way. But even the most humble of all christians stumbles, questions, and whos heart sometimes skips a beat. We are all doubting thomas at least for a fraction of a second. Ps. I am illiterate, but I do know something of feelings
Jaren from United States
Comment 7 of 13, added on August 14th, 2005 at 5:48 AM.
The last line does leave the reader feeling that the poem is somewhat unfinished but maybe that's the intention. The line could almost have been punctuated with a question mark. Maybe it's up to the individual to add a line expressing what they want out of this life and this world?
Graham P from United Kingdom
Comment 6 of 13, added on May 17th, 2005 at 3:18 AM.
To make life meaningful - the poem touches on life and death in the tone of the last line, while unbreaking the heart and delivering the soul.
Shirley from United States
Comment 5 of 13, added on April 16th, 2005 at 9:12 PM.
This poem is by far touching. It really hit home. My step son's grandfather passed away a year ago today. This poem really express how death feels when you loose a loved one.
Violet
Violet from United States
Comment 4 of 13, added on April 10th, 2005 at 1:43 AM.
Yes, the ending leaves one hanging, (as does Death, so it seems) But I love this poem for these two lines especially:
When it's over, I don't want to wonder
if I have made of my life something particular, and real.
How much time we waste trying to Be Something, Do Something, and miss out on Living. What she wants is to live Her life fully,embracing it as a bridegroom!
Nanci from United States
This poem has been commented on more than 10 times. Click below to see the other comments.
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Copyright © 2003-2008 Gunnar Bengtsson, Poetry Connection. All Rights Reserved.
This is a poem that does throw the reader. The images at the beginning seem not to connect, with the strongest lines of her wonderment of going through the doors of death. However, the lines and images do all work together. Death is never an easy subject, especially if there has been a recent departing in one's circle of friends or family. Poets take on the challenge of giving a framework of emotions that help heal--or to at least to ponder.
I would encourage everyone not to rush through this poem, but try to join the poet as she weaves her journey to the unknown. You may also want to read Langston Hughes' "Dear Lovely Death". It is a poem that I find myself reading many times.
dallas from United States