Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Marge Piercy's "End of Days" is a poignant and introspective meditation on death, imbued with a serene acceptance and a plea for dignity in the face of life's inevitable end. The poem begins by addressing the death of cats, creatures known for their stoicism and quiet resilience. "Almost always with cats, the end comes creeping over the two of you—" Piercy captures the intimate and painful process of a pet's decline. The imagery is tender and somber, as the poet describes how the cat "stops eating, his back legs no longer support him, she leans to your hand and purrs but cannot rise."

The poet's keen observation of the cats' "hooded eyes" that "see death clearly" adds a layer of depth to the experience, suggesting an innate understanding and acceptance of death in animals that humans often struggle to achieve. The next lines depict the familiar yet heart-wrenching ritual of taking a beloved pet to the vet for the last time: "Then there is the long weepy trip to the vet, the carrier no longer necessary, the last time in your lap." The clinical reality of euthanasia is conveyed with a stark simplicity: "The injection is quick. Simply they stop breathing in your arms."

Piercy then shifts to a personal reflection, expressing a desire for her own death to mirror the peaceful and loving departure of her pets: "That is how I would like to cease, held in a lover's arms and quickly fading to black like an old-fashioned movie embrace." This longing for a gentle and dignified death contrasts sharply with the "white silent scream of hospitals" and the "whine of pain like air-conditioning's hum." The poet's disdain for the clinical, impersonal nature of hospital deaths is palpable, as she articulates a wish to "click the off switch" rather than endure prolonged suffering.

The poem's introspective tone deepens as Piercy contemplates the role of loved ones in the dying process: "I want someone who loves me there, not a doctor with forty patients and his morality to keep me sort of, kind of alive or sort of undead." This critique of the medical profession's tendency to prolong life at all costs highlights a broader societal issue—the often impersonal and dehumanizing approach to end-of-life care.

Piercy questions the rationality of our attitudes toward death, noting that "we are more rational and kinder to our pets than to ourselves or our parents." This observation underscores a cultural reluctance to accept death as a natural part of life, often leading to unnecessary suffering. The final lines of the poem drive home this point: "Death is not the worst thing; denying it can be." Here, Piercy advocates for a compassionate acceptance of death, suggesting that the refusal to acknowledge and prepare for it can lead to greater pain and distress.

"End of Days" is a moving exploration of death and the desire for a dignified, peaceful end. Piercy's use of the familiar experience of losing a pet serves as a powerful metaphor for broader reflections on human mortality. Through her tender and introspective language, she invites readers to reconsider their own attitudes toward death and to embrace a more humane and accepting approach. The poem ultimately serves as a call for kindness, compassion, and dignity in the face of life's inevitable conclusion.

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