Wallflowers

This poem seems to be one of the less ambiguous poems we have look at this quarter. Donna Vorreyer tells about the use of words. Some words are used very often and others that never get used. Words become like "orphans" ready to be chosen and used by people. Vorreyer is concerned about those words that never get used, that they might get lonely and become bitter. Vorreyer being a middle school teacher could be some inspiration for this poem. Middle school is known for its cruel atmosphere and constant loneliness. Vorreyer sees this common occurance everyday in the place she works.

Lost Brother

The main thing that stuck out to me about the author of "Lost Brother" was the fact that he grew up in New York. Growing up in such an industrialized area gives Moss a perspective that people like me don't have. I have had the luxury of growing up in a nature filled state unlike New York. I have been surrounded by trees, wildlife, and the "outdoors" my entire life. I've never had the opportunity to miss trees or really understand what life is like without them. Because Moss didn't get to experience this, trees are much more valuable in his eyes. He hasn't taken them for granted.

I also really like how he says, "I know we had the same mother." The reference to mother nature brings his idea together wonderfully. It gives me the idea that we are all related and actually do have the same "mother."

When Moss says, "I realized, when I saw his photograph,

he was an evergreen, a bristlecone like me...," I'm somewhat confused about what that reference is to. I understand he's trying to make the illusion that they are one in the same but I'm not sure if there is more to it.

Still Memory

Mary Karr- the author of the poem "Still Memory"- was born in a small town in South East Texas. She is known for writing poems based on memories, especially ones of her sister. This poem really portrays that part of her. The whole poem is about a certain memory of her childhood but starts out "The dream was so deep..." I'm not sure if it really is a dream or if Karr is just setting up her memory as a dream. Never the less, she talks about her father "...in the doorway, not dead, just home from the graveyard shift...," her mother "rummages through silver...," and her sister "steps fast because the bathroom tiles are cold..." Each description gives a different aspect to the memory and makes it come more alive.

Mary Karr also said that when she was 11, she had a notebook "to write poetry and autobiography." At the end of the poem "Still Memory," Karr makes a direct reference to this.
"My ten-year-old hand reaches
for a pen to record it all
as would become long habit."
This seems to be the climax of the poem. Her first memories of writing poems.

To Myself

The first thing that stuck out to me in the poem "To Myself" was the fact that it was one continuous thought. There are no stanzas or periods at any point. Not even at the end of the poem. It made me think that W.S. Merwin (the author) was thinking things out with himself. It may also be a way to emphasize the the personal reflection aspect. Not only does it give a personal vibe, but it also gives a calling to action feel as well. The first four lines end in the word "you." This gives me the idea that the poem is trying to make readers reflect on themselves as well.

The climax of the poem seems to be towards the end when he says,
"...I can recognize
you who are always the same
who pretend to be time but
you are not time..."
This makes me think that we as people try so hard to be something we aren't for most of our lives.