Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

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"Donahue's Sister" is a poem by Thom Gunn that explores the themes of memory, loss, and the passage of time. The poem was first published in 1966 as part of his collection "Positives."

Explanation:

The poem is narrated by the speaker, who recalls a woman named Donahue's sister from his past. The speaker reflects on his memories of her and the ways in which she has changed over time.

As the poem progresses, the speaker contemplates the passage of time and the inevitability of change and loss. The poem ultimately concludes with a sense of nostalgia and regret for the things that have been lost over time.

Poetic Elements:

Form:

• "Donahue's Sister" is a free verse poem without a set rhyme or meter. The poem consists of four stanzas, each with varying line lengths and no consistent pattern of rhyme or rhythm. This form allows the poem to flow freely and naturally, with the language and imagery serving as the primary focus. The use of enjambment creates a sense of continuity and fluidity, reflecting the theme of memory and the passage of time.

• Imagery: "cracked skin," "brittle nails," "empty eyes"
• Allusion: None
• Metaphor: The woman as a symbol of the passage of time and loss
• Symbolism: None

Conclusion:

"Donahue's Sister" is a poignant and introspective poem that invites readers to reflect on the passage of time and the inevitability of change and loss. The poem challenges us to consider the ways in which our memories shape our understanding of the world around us, and the ways in which those memories can be altered or lost over time.

Poem Snippet:

"Yet certain others, more significant,

Lost far too slowly ever to have been

Truly noticed till gone beyond recall,

Are in my head still, tangled and aswarm."

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