Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


ARMOR by DAVID IGNATOW

Poet Analysis

First Line: HOW DO I EXPLAIN MYSELF TO A MAN
Last Line: OR TO WHOSE FUNERAL.
Subject(s): FOOD & EATING;

How do I explain myself to a man
who thinks eating is pure pleasure?
He looks on the passing scene as he chews.
So that we can communicate, I speak
about his food being nicely seasoned.
He can smile at me between gulps,
talking about the passing crowds
of excited weepers and mourners
headed -- where to? -- in such numbers.
He would like to know to what disaster
or to whose funeral.



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