The first poem I chose was, “The Colonel,” by Carolyn Forché. I believe what caused me to react to this poem the most was the blunt, random, and short statement style writing of Forché. When I first read this poem I had absolutely no idea what the poem was about (and to be honest, I’m still not sure if I do), or as to what message it’s trying to convey to the reader. However, after reading the poem a couple more times, I began to notice different details that helped the poem become easier to understand. One of the main things that stood out was how Forché was able to create a complete setting and mood in just a few blunt, indirect lines. The scene she creates is a gritty, serious scene, where some important figures are around a table discussing a stern topic. In one line Forché writes, “There was / some talk of how difficult it had become to govern.” (Forché lines 16-17) Shortly after this statement was made, the “Colonel” brings out a bag full of human ears and dumps them out across the table. From what I understand, the ears symbolize how tough it really is to govern, and how he has had to do it through brutality and violence. After pouring the ears on the table, the Colonel then goes on to top it off with, “As for the rights of anyone, / tell your people they can go f--- themselves.” (27-28). This to me, was the final statement of the Colonel making it crystal clear that he did not care about the people at all, and will continue to govern in a brutal, murderous manor.
The second poem I chose was “Photograph from September 11” by Wislawa Szymborska. This poem made me feel a lot more emotion than the last poem I wrote about. It made me think back to the day when this “photograph” occurred, and all the emotions that were running through my head. I was only in fourth grade when it happened, but I can still remember it like it was yesterday. As sad as it is, Szymborska did an excellent job with this poem, and it’s one of the better poems I’ve read in a while.
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Carolyn Forché -
Wislawa Szymborska -
Hi Kyle,
ReplyDeleteThe poem "The Colonel" was truly one that needed to be re-read and even after a few readings it had you in a whirl wind of questions. The author was very graphic with words allowing the reader to wander in different directions of emotions. I tried to understand this poem and just wasn't getting a desire to want to decipher the meaning. I wonder if the authors father was in some type of war or mafia for that matter because she looks pretty innocent, but those are the ones you gotta watch out for. LOL The poem about Sept 11th is one that hits home with all who were born and care about their country. I was a senior in high school when it happened and I still can see to this day that image of the planes on TV. It was a day of tragedy that will live on forever. Even to those who were not born yet that moment will be in history books. The brave men and women will live on in eternity.
I read "The Colonel" as well, and im on the same page as you, im not sure If I know what its really about. It was almost to the point that it was so weird, and somewhat disturbing, that it was hard to find his ideas in the writing if that makes sense. It was something that I had never heard of before! When I saw the Sept 11 picture, it just gave me chills. I can remember exactly what I was doing that morning. Its weird to think that it was almost 11 years ago. I was in 6th grade then, but I couldn't agree with you more!
ReplyDeleteTo me, these two poems were both a little difficult to read. I am not big on poetry, and so I see things literally. I saw baskets of ears poured out and the guests having to walk upon a floor covered by ears. But with the second poem you chose I almost felt like I was having PTSD moments. You were quite young, I on the other hand, had 21 when this occurred. I remember I was a Red Cross Volunteer and had been asked if I could go. While most could say yes in a heart beat, I remember that I paused, I was watching the tv screen, watching the people jump and the towers crumbling, and I was frozen, I couldn't move and I couldn't answer their question. When I read this poem, I remembered all of that as if it was yesterday. Great post.
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