A Sonata of Forgetting: A Poem

Summary

The web content presents "A Sonata of Forgetting: A Poem" by Melissa Coffey, which explores themes of institutionalization, memory, and grief through the metaphor of a piano sonata, as part of the Thrifty Words 100 Challenge.

Abstract

"A Sonata of Forgetting: A Poem" is a poignant piece by Melbourne-based writer Melissa Coffey, published on Medium, which delves into the emotional landscape of a person grappling with the constraints of institutionalization. The poem, exactly 100 words long, is a response to the Thrifty Words 100 Challenge #13 prompt on institutionalization provided by Jonica Bradley. It conveys the speaker's experience of confinement, restriction, and the struggle to hold onto memories of a loved one amidst forced medication and the prohibition of personal expression through music. The poem is a powerful testament to the resilience of memory and the human spirit, despite attempts to suppress them.

Opinions

The author conveys a sense of loss and confinement through the imagery of a small room with iron bars and the denial of freedom.
The poem suggests that the speaker finds solace and resistance in the act of remembering, despite the institution's attempts to induce forgetfulness through medication.
There is a defiant tone in the speaker's determination to remember and feel, contrary to the institution's instructions to suppress emotions.
The metaphor of playing a piano sonata in reverse symbolizes the struggle to unlearn or forget a significant person or experience.
The poem implies a critique of the dehumanizing effects of institutionalization on individual expression and mental health.

Thrifty Words 100 Challenge #13: Institutionalization

They keep me in a small bed in a small room; a small window with iron bars, smaller squares of freedom denied

They forbid me to touch the piano in the dayroom; such discordant refrains I played ‘til my fingers bled

They give me an endless procession of tiny deadenings in innocuous paper cups; yet, your memory defies sedation

They instruct me to fold up and put away my grief, neatly, like my nightgown

They cannot stop me — my fingers, playing the melody of you in reverse; unlearning you on the floor, the walls, the windowpane

My sonata of forgetting

Thanks to Jonica Bradley for this provocative prompt — Institutionalization. For those visiting this pub, the “100 word” Challenge is to write a complete piece, responding to the theme — with exactly 100 words.

Melissa Coffey is a Melbourne-based writer, editor, poet & performer, engaging strongly with themes of the Feminine. Her short stories, creative essays and poetry are published in numerous international and Australian anthologies (sometimes incognito).

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