Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"The Veil" is a poem by Denis Johnson, first published in his 1989 poetry collection, "The Throne of the Third Heaven of the Nations Millennium General Assembly". The poem is a reflection on the theme of death, mortality, and the loss of a loved one.

Explanation:

“The Veil” is a meditation on the nature of existence, mortality, and the passage of time.The poem begins with the speaker's observation of a deer in the woods, describing it as a "ghost" that "wades" through the "dense" trees. The speaker then turns inward, contemplating the idea of death and the "veil" that separates the living from the dead. The veil is described as a "mist" that obscures the view of the other side, and the speaker wonders what it would be like to cross over.

The speaker then shifts to a more personal tone, addressing a loved one who has died. The speaker tells the loved one that they "wait" for them, and that they are "longing" to see them again. The speaker acknowledges the pain of loss, but also finds comfort in the idea that the loved one is now "safe" on the other side of the veil.

Poetic Elements:

• Form: The poem consists of six stanzas, each comprising varying numbers of lines. The rhyme scheme is ABABA.
• Imagery: The poem makes use of vivid and evocative imagery, particularly in its descriptions of the deer and the veil.
• Repetition: The phrase "crossing over" is repeated throughout the poem, emphasizing the theme of transition and crossing from one state to another.
• Tone: The poem has a contemplative and mournful tone, reflecting on the theme of mortality and loss.

Conclusion:

"The Veil" is a poignant and reflective poem that meditates on the theme of death and the loss of a loved one. Through its vivid imagery and repeated use of the phrase "crossing over", the poem emphasizes the idea of transition and crossing from one state to another. The poem ultimately finds comfort in the idea that the loved one is now safe on the other side of the veil, while acknowledging the pain and longing that comes with loss.

Poem Snippet:

"But I wait for you, as in

an empty house I wait

for footsteps. I will

miss you forever."

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