Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"About His Person" by Simon Armitage is a poignant and thought-provoking poem that explores the theme of identity and the essence of a person through the examination of personal belongings. The poem meticulously details the items found on a man, each object hinting at aspects of his life, personality, and possibly the circumstances of his death.

The poem opens with a precise amount of change – "Five pounds fifty in change, exactly" – and a library card expired on the day it's found. These mundane items immediately create a sense of the ordinary, everyday life of the person. The detail of the expired library card subtly suggests a life that has reached its end.

A postcard, stamped but unwritten, and a pocket diary with dates marked, offer glimpses into plans that will remain unfulfilled. These items speak to the interrupted nature of life and the unfinished business we all leave behind. The keys and the stopped watch further emphasize the finality of death, with the watch's halted time perhaps marking the moment of death.

The "final demand in his own hand" and the "rolled up note of explanation" suggest personal turmoil or distress, possibly leading to a tragic end. The image of a "spray carnation but beheaded" in his fist is particularly striking, symbolizing life cut short.

The "shopping list" is another touch of normalcy, a reminder of the mundane tasks that make up our lives. The photograph and locket point to loved ones, relationships, and memories, adding emotional depth to the person's narrative.

The absence of valuable items ("no gold or silver") contrasts with the presence of a ring, which leaves an unweathered mark on his finger. This could indicate a recent loss of a significant relationship, further adding to the theme of loss and absence.

In conclusion, "About His Person" is a powerful exploration of identity and the human condition. Armitage skillfully uses a list of personal items to construct a narrative that is both intimate and universal, highlighting the traces we leave behind and the incomplete stories we all carry. The poem invites the reader to ponder the small yet significant details that compose a life, and how these can resonate with meaning and poignancy after a person is gone.

Copyright (c) 2025 PoetryExplorer

Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!

Other Poems of Interest...