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Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained | |||
The central character in the poem is Mr. Beringer, a father who has lost his son in the war. The son fell "at the Canal that strangers dug / so ships could cross the desert," suggesting the often impersonal and distant causes of war, and the tragic irony that a man-made structure intended for commerce and connection becomes a site of death and loss. Mr. Beringer's grief is depicted in physical terms — he has grown very thin, having lost "the weight of his son." This metaphorical expression conveys the profound sense of loss and emptiness that a parent feels upon the death of a child. The physical weight lost is a representation of the emotional and psychological burden he carries. His lightness is not a relief but a manifestation of his profound grief, making him almost ghost-like, drifting through life. The encounter at Jaffa Gate, a well-known landmark in Jerusalem, places the poem in a specific geographical and cultural context, connecting the personal sorrow of Mr. Beringer to the broader historical and political landscape of the region. Amichai's use of nature imagery, as Mr. Beringer gets "caught in my heart like little twigs / that drift away," further emphasizes the fragility and transience of life, particularly in times of war. This imagery suggests how the remnants of loss and sorrow can catch unexpectedly, lingering in memory and emotion. This poem is a lament, as its title suggests, not just for Mr. Beringer's son, but for all those who have died in wars. It speaks to the universal experience of loss in conflict, the personal grief that lingers long after the battles have ended, and the haunting presence of those lost in the daily lives of those who continue to mourn them. Through this brief yet powerful piece, Amichai captures the enduring impact of war on the human soul, making a poignant statement about the cost of conflict.
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