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Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained | |||
"Aerial Photograph Before the Atomic Bomb" is a poem by Toi Derricotte that was first published in 2006 in her collection of poems titled "The Undertaker's Daughter." The poem reflects on the power and destructive capabilities of the atomic bomb, as well as the complex history and legacy of America's nuclear program. Explanation: The poem begins with the speaker describing an aerial photograph of a city, taken before the atomic bomb was dropped. The speaker reflects on the beauty and complexity of the city, which is filled with life and activity. As the poem progresses, the speaker reflects on the destructive power of the atomic bomb and the ways in which it changed the world forever. The poem emphasizes the importance of remembering the legacy of the atomic bomb and the ways in which it has shaped our world. The poem ends on a note of hope, with the speaker suggesting that even in the midst of destruction and chaos, there is always the possibility of renewal and rebirth. The poem is a powerful reminder of the importance of acknowledging and confronting the devastating impact of the atomic bomb, while also looking towards a more hopeful future. Poetic Elements:
Summary: In conclusion, "Aerial Photograph Before the Atomic Bomb" is a powerful and important poem that reflects on the destructive impact of the atomic bomb and the complex history and legacy of America's nuclear program. Derricotte's poem encourages us to confront and acknowledge the devastating impact of the atomic bomb while also looking towards a more hopeful future. It is a reminder of the ongoing need to reckon with the consequences of our actions and work towards a more just and peaceful world. Poem Snippet:
"the tangled city, its million lives and deaths unwinding below, whole and lovely."
Copyright (c) 2025 PoetryExplorer | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...A RENUNCIATION OF THE DESERT PRIMROSE; FOR J. ROBERT OPPENHEIMER by NORMAN DUBIE ANAGRAM BORN OF MADNESS AT CZERNOWITZ, 12 NOVEMBER 1920 by NORMAN DUBIE FROM A STORY IN THE NEW YORK SUNDAY TIMES TRAVEL SECTION by ALAN DUGAN THE GARDEN SHUKKEI-EN by CAROLYN FORCHE POST-MODERNISM by JAMES GALVIN THE BATH: AUGUST 6, 1945 by KIMIKO HAHN LATE SPRING IN THE NUCLEAR AGE; FOR CLARE ROSSINI by ANDREW HUDGINS WHO WOULD BE FREE, THEMSELVES MUST STRIKE THE BLOW by JUNE JORDAN |
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