Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Their Bodies" is a poem by David Wagoner, an American poet and novelist known for his works that explore themes of nature and the human experience. Wagoner was born in 1926 in Ohio and has written numerous books of poetry, including "Their Bodies," which was first published in 1965.

Explanation:

The poem "Their Bodies" is a meditation on the theme of mortality and the ways in which we come to terms with the inevitability of death. The poem describes the bodies of two people who have died, and how their physical remains serve as a reminder of their humanity and the transience of life. The poem also touches on the idea that the bodies of the dead can be a source of comfort and connection for the living, and that the memory of those who have passed can continue to shape our lives in meaningful ways.

Poetic Elements:

• Form: Free verse with no consistent rhyme or meter
• Imagery: Vivid descriptions of the bodies of the dead, and the ways in which they serve as a reminder of the transience of life
• Metaphor: Use of the bodies of the dead as a metaphor for the inevitability of death and the importance of coming to terms with our mortality
• Personification: Personification of the bodies of the dead as "silent ambassadors of a world we hardly know"

Conclusion:

"Their Bodies" is a powerful and poignant poem that explores the theme of mortality and the ways in which we come to terms with the inevitability of death. Through the use of vivid imagery, metaphor, and personification, the poem portrays the bodies of the dead as a reminder of the transience of life and the importance of cherishing each moment we have. The poem also challenges us to reflect on the ways in which the memory of those who have passed can continue to shape our lives in meaningful ways, and the importance of finding comfort and connection in the face of loss.

Poem Snippet:

Their bodies lie like artifacts

of some ancient and forgotten world,

silent ambassadors of a world we hardly know,

reminding us of the transience of life

and the importance of cherishing each moment we have.

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