Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Choices" is a poem by Tess Gallagher, first published in her collection "Dear Ghosts" in 2006. The poem is a reflection on the choices people make in their lives and how they shape the course of one's existence.

Explanation:

The poem starts with a depiction of a woman standing at a crossroads, symbolizing the choices she must make in life. She looks back on the path she has taken and the various options she has considered, wondering if she has made the right decisions. The speaker then shifts to a personal reflection, pondering the choices she herself has made in her own life. She recalls a time when she faced a difficult decision and chose to follow her heart, which ultimately led her down a path of self-discovery and fulfillment.

Poetic Elements:

• Form: Free verse
• Imagery: The use of the crossroads as a symbol of decision-making, the image of a woman standing at the crossroads, the description of the different paths and options considered.
• Tone: Reflective, introspective, contemplative.
• Metaphor: The crossroads as a metaphor for choices in life.

Conclusion:

"Choices" by Tess Gallagher is a poignant reflection on the nature of decision-making in life. The poem emphasizes the importance of following one's heart and intuition, even in the face of difficult choices. Through its vivid imagery and reflective tone, the poem encourages readers to consider the choices they have made in their own lives and the impact those choices have had on their journeys.

Poem Snippet:

"At the crossroads, she stands,

looking back and forth

on the paths she did and didn't take,

wondering if the choices were right,

if the steps made sense."