Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

James Galvin’s poem "How They Go On" is a tender and poignant exploration of death, memory, and the ways in which the living grapple with loss. The poem opens with a striking image: "The otherwise beautiful girl / With eyes closed / Is not exactly sleeping." This line sets the tone for the poem, juxtaposing beauty with the stillness of death, while subtly indicating that the girl is deceased rather than simply asleep. The phrase "not exactly sleeping" delicately bridges the gap between life and death, suggesting a state that is familiar yet fundamentally different.

Galvin then introduces a "reverie of dust" that "obscures the photographs, / Endures the unendurable furniture." Dust, often a symbol of neglect and the passage of time, covers the photographs and the "unendurable furniture," hinting at the unbearable weight of memories and the physical remnants of the deceased's life. This imagery conveys a sense of abandonment and the slow, inevitable fading of tangible memories.

The poem questions the purpose of waking the girl: "If not to wake her, / If not, softly, / To ask what is left." These lines capture the mourners' futile desire to revive the girl or seek answers from her. The repetition of "If not" underscores the helplessness and longing to connect with the deceased one last time.

Galvin describes the mourners' actions as they lean in "one by one, / As if she might tell them / How it is." This suggests a ritualistic and almost hopeful act, where each relative seeks understanding or closure from the deceased. The girl’s ears are compared to seashells, a metaphor that beautifully captures the idea of listening to the echoes of the past: "Her ears are more like seashells now, / Where those who loved her / Bend to listen, listen." Seashells, known for their ability to hold the sound of the ocean, symbolize the enduring presence of the deceased’s voice and the whispers of memories.

The repetition of "listen" emphasizes the mourners' deep yearning to hear and understand, even though they know they cannot truly communicate with her. Finally, they "move on, / The same as if they heard and understood." This concluding line reflects the acceptance of loss and the need to continue living despite the unanswered questions and the lingering presence of the deceased. It suggests a form of closure that is more about the act of moving forward than about finding true understanding or resolution.

In summary, "How They Go On" by James Galvin is a contemplative and evocative poem that delves into the themes of death, memory, and the rituals of mourning. Through delicate imagery and poignant metaphors, Galvin captures the mourners' futile attempts to connect with the deceased and their eventual acceptance of loss. The poem’s structure, with its measured lines and gentle repetitions, mirrors the slow, reflective process of grief and the gradual movement towards acceptance. Ultimately, Galvin offers a profound meditation on the enduring presence of the departed in the memories of the living and the quiet, unspoken ways in which they go on.

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