Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


THE SAINT by DAVID IGNATOW

Poet Analysis

First Line: THERE IS SOMEONE SMILING AT ME FROM BEHIND
Last Line: IN THE ILLUSION THAT IT SETS THEM FREE.
Subject(s): COMFORT; DESPAIR;

There is someone smiling at me from behind
and someone holding out a hand in front
to say hello and persons unfamiliar
with familiar ways on either side
to put me at my ease. I should despair.
I do despair.

Where are the stones strung around my neck
I much prefer to carry, on hands and knees
and friends to lift me by my shoulders
to take the necklace from my neck? They
do not understand that I, without it,
am just a person like themselves,
unhappy, going to the help of others,
in the illusion that it sets them free.



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