Death is an exquisitely common phenomenon to man, and it has been the theme that has captivated the imagination of poets through the ages, evoking quite a diversity of reflections and interpretations. The concepts of death have been articulated in various poems, including “It Isn’t Dead, Just Different” by Sommer Browning and “I See Men Like Trees, Walking” by James Robison. The concept of death, particularly in the two poems, has been conceptualized from various points of view when it comes to imagination and spiritual consideration (Ramsey, 46). Though this point, style, or approach might differ, both poets express deep insight into the nature of death and what importance it holds in the life of a human being. Thus, to better understand the theme of death in the two poems, it is necessary to compares and contrasts them based on the perception of death, nature, uncertainty, inevitability, and spiritual exploration.
Perception of Death
Browning’s poem “It Is Not Dead, Just Different” argues that death is not an ending but the beginning of another stage through the use of everyday life to show continuity. The old man in the Roy Rogers restaurant they meet, who is described as “an old man with Flirt stitched onto his visor,” becomes, in large part, an everyday experience of metaphorical significance to show the ever-changing quality of life (Browning, 23). The poem delivers the idea that death, just like everyday life, is only a part of the cycle of life, which is natural, not the ultimate stop (Ed. 56b). Thus, Browning calls on readers to re-evaluate their notion of death, maybe more with an eye toward something like continuity or renewal beyond the physical realm.
Likewise, in the poem “I See Men Like Trees, Walking,” Robison envisions death as the juncture where the spiritual world is linked to the physical world. This is evident in the poem when he says, “From the barn lofts, bats are pouring up to feed on summer mosquitoes.” Imageries of bats, barn lofts, a bloated creek, etc., would suggest that the notion of death is in itself not a separate act but part of the larger rhythms of existence; in other words, death runs its course just like life (Robison, 35). This imagination, therefore, calls for a pause and thought by readers in contemplation of the mysteries of existence and the ultimate meaning of life and death that goes beyond simple explanation or interpretation. When Robison then invites his readers to reconsider the further meanings of human mortality and look into the potential for growth and enlightenment outside the physical world when he presents death as a critical and transforming event.
Vagueness and uncertainty
Sommer Browning’s “It Isn’t Dead, Just Different” and James Robison’s “I See Men Like Trees, Walking” share a sensibility full of uncertainties or ambiguities about what death holds and reflect all its mysteriousness. In Browning’s poem, Browning talks of the misty something that is death and describes a one-legged bird flirting with learning to walk (Browning, 23). This is evident when the poem says, “He’s flirting with flirting, like a one-legged bird flirts with walking.” This symbolic bird shows the human soul trying to find the bearings of the afterlife and the spiritual world. The one-leggedness of the bird tends to have a sense of incompleteness or vulnerability, reflecting the same in human life when it comes to mortality. So, when Browning described death as a misty something that can’t be adequately explained, she only emphasized that the somethingness of the mystery is inscrutable. As pointed out by White (90), this uncertainty reminds all readers of their beliefs and perceptions of death in the face of such an enormous extent of the unknown and the limits of human comprehension concerning essential questions.
Robison’s poem focuses on the inabilities of love and loss, pointing out the absolute difficulty and senselessness of trying to come to terms with the tragedies that come in life. The image of the Union Cemetery and most tombstones, both so unknown and unknowable, carry with them an invitation to the readers to extend their contemplations on the mysteries of life White (90). This is seen in the poem when he says, “In the Union cemetery on our property, beyond the north pasture, in a windbreak stand of ash trees, each mossed tomb slab.” The ambiguity, therefore, entices the readers to think of more exalted meanings and wider-ranging implications of this finality, which in most cases goes beyond simple meanings or interpretations (Robison, 35). By so doing, both poets enable readers to become involved in a deeper investigation and contemplation of the existence of the afterlife.
Death is inevitable.
The two poems argue that death is unpredictable and inescapable. In “It Isn’t Dead, Just Different,” Browning speaks of a car burning on the Turnpike. With the imagery, this comes through as a metaphor for how death is always inescapable. The Turnpike’s looming danger symbolizes life’s unpredictability and the constant presence of death. Even in all the chaos of the accident, the author points out that “Even if she straightens out, she’s still on fire,” highlighting the nature of unpredictability and the inevitability of death. The author’s tone also shows that she accepts death’s unpredictable nature and that no one can avoid it.
In the same manner, in “I See Men Like Trees, Walking,” one cannot help but notice the tombstones at Union Cemetery that decidedly proclaim the presence of human death. The phrase “each mossed tom slab (there are seven) leans for a soul perfectly forgotten” penetrates the reader’s mind with the haunting image of souls and time, both perfectly forgotten White (90). The slanting of the tomb slabs hints at the burden of history and the lasting heritage of all the dead. Moss stands for slow decay. This picture brings forth an acceptance of submission to the order of things in life, whereby death certainly befalls life.
Spiritual Exploration
Both poets write to express questions about life, consciousness, and death. For example, the poem “It Isn’t Dead, Just Different” meditates on life after death and approaches the question of the soul’s existence with some probability that a person can die but still not reach the end of everything. The poem uses vivid images and metaphorical expressions to view death only as a continuation, not a destination point. For example, when the poem says, “an old man with Flirt stitched onto his visor,” Browning tells of meeting an old man at a restaurant with the word “flirt” written on his visor. This journey symbolizes the life-flitting nature and the inevitable fact of change.
Similarly, Robison’s poem brings out the affair of the physical and metaphysical worlds, where he touches on leaning tomb slabs. The imagery is noted when he says, “each mossed tomb slab.” The Union cemetery represents the space where the dead are buried and can be described in the poem as a place beyond the north pasture. This symbolism evokes something final and solemn since the gravesites mark the end. (Robison, 35). The imagery prompts the readers to draw questions about existence, with the last question being the meaning of life and death. These two poets provide a deep insight into human experiences in their spiritual quests and profound mysteries beyond the material world.
In conclusion, both poets challenge their respective readers to go beyond orthodox views on death through their poems and see deep into the mysteries of life and human experience. Therefore, we should all learn from the two poems that death is a topic to be explored rather than feared, and poets should embrace the nature of death in their work while trying to understand the mystery behind death at the same time.
Contact Details
Whatsapp Number: 0792410115
Email: Kimondiualfred@gmail.com/
Kindly, if you need any revision or you have more assignments, you can reach me through the above contacts.
My account is restricted and we can only work direct.
Feel free to contac me anytime you will get discounted prices.
Work Cited
Browning, Sommer. “It Isn’t Dead, Just Different.” ZYZZYVA. 31: 1. Fall 2015.
Ed. Barbara Shaughnessy. Virginia: U of Virginia P. 2013. 75-76(a).
Ed. Barbara Shaughnessy. Virginia: U of Virginia P. 2013. 82(b).
Ramsey, Jade. “She lives in a pat of butter.” Best New Poets of 2013.
Robison, James. “I see men like trees walking.” The Paris Review, Summer 2013. 35.
White, Corrie Lynn. Gravy. Best New Poets of 2013.
write