avatarJ.D. Harms

Summary

The text describes the visceral experience of grief, personifying its stages as they manifest and struggle within a person's psyche.

Abstract

The poem "A Poem" by J.D. Harms, accompanied by an abstract painting photograph, delves into the intricate dance of grief. It portrays grief as sections of a fragile self, parading and falling apart, congealing and becoming intoxicated with loss. These personified signifiers of grief kneel and rise, argue without cause, and embody a loss that is both controlling and unyielding. The sentiments associated with this profound sorrow are depicted as persistent and tumultuous, unable to find resolution or peace.

Opinions

  • Grief is presented as a series of stages that are both fragile and forceful, each taking its turn to dominate the emotional landscape.
  • The poem suggests that grief can be disorienting, causing one to metaphorically lose balance and require assistance to stand.
  • The author conveys that grief can lead to internal conflict, with emotions contradicting and arguing within oneself.
  • The sentiment that grief is a controlling force is emphasized, dictating the emotional state and resisting settlement or understanding.
  • The text implies that the intensity of grief does not diminish quickly, instead raging on for an extended period.

Sections

A Poem

Photo by Steve Johnson on Unsplash

As if carved from a fragile likeness the sections of grief go on parade falling to the tiles The loss congealed drunk on the floor unable to stand without help Signifiers stand in contradictions kneel only for brief moments then begin to argue Then begin to argue when there is no cause to fight But this is a controlling loss & the sentiments that do not settle go on raging for quite some time

J.D. Harms 2020

Poetry
Struggle
Pain
Image
Grief
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