People who died
By Ted Berrigan
of victims from a hostage crisis in Moscow that claimed the
lives of 130 people in 2012
In Ted Berrigan’s elegy, People who died, he goes down the
list of times he was touched by death. It mostly grieves for the loss of those
close to him, especially in the more detailed examples of death. For example “Anne Kepler….my girl….killed by smoke-poisoning while playing
the flute at the Yonkers Children’s Hospital during a fire set by a 16
year old arsonist….1965.” is especially heartbreaking. As well little things like “Franny Winston…. Just a girl…...” hint
at the immense amount of pain death brings. He never really develops the praise
stage of his elegy except in saying “My
friends whose deaths have slowed my heart stay with me now.” Which is
touching since it signifies their time on earth was important enough to
profoundly impact Berrigan long after their passing. This last sentence also
serves as the main solace portion of the elegy and is a standard statement that
those who have died will live on through those they touched while alive. In the
end, the prevailing message left by Ted Berrigan is one of remembrance through
a deeply personal elegy. Its lasting words remind us that those who we lost
will live on in our memories affecting us from the great beyond.
I loved the poem you chose and your analysis was spot on. You had a good use of direct quotes, and definitely picked the most impactful lines to add to your analysis. Your picture also increased the effectiveness of your blog post. Good job Jack.
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