Poetry Reflection

Which of the poems had the most meaning for you personally?


For me personally, the poem Richard Cory by E.A. Robinson had the most impact. The poem follows a seemingly well educated and groomed man walking down town, and ends in a shocking way when he commits suicide. This poem is able to clearly convey the message of outer appearance versus inner conflict. By using somewhat who seems fairly well off and happy with his life, the author is able to share that one should not 'judge a book by its cover' as what is on the inside is sometimes completely different. The meaning of this poem is powerful to me because I tend to judge people off the top of my head without thinking. After reading this poem, I was able to reflect on how other people that I have seen may not be even close to the image that I create in my head. The moral itself is also very meaningful, as it is an everyday life lesson that people seem to have difficulties applying to their lifestyle. It also shows the dangers of over estimating one's happiness, as one may never be too sure on how someone is truthfully doing on the inside; if they are on the verge of ending their life. The unexpected ending to the poem strongly reinforces the message, and it personally renders it much more convicting in my quotidian life.

What thoughts and/or feelings did the texts evoke in you? Why?


A few of the poems evoked the feeling of thankfulness and gratefulness in me. In the poems Richard Cory, As I Grew Older, and Alone, they all share a sense of facing difficult obstacles, struggling. After reading these poems, I felt grateful to not have some of these obstacles, such as homelessness (as I have a house to live in) and racial discrimination (as I live in a multicultural community that is overall very accepting of different races). I am very grateful to also not be struggling with emotional problems, as portrayed in the poem Richard Cory. Overall, the feeling of gratefulness overwhelmed me as I discovered that I am perhaps very well off, not having to deal with difficult problems that many others in the past have suffered through, and that people in the present still struggle to overcome. The other two poems, based on anonymous authors and their identities, provoked a feeling of individuality in me. As I read through how they described their life through their experiences and influences, I felt that I could relate to them in the sense that I also have many diverse influences that shape who I am as a person. Through these poems, I felt very unique and proud to be where I am and who I am today.