Poetry Unbound Jacob Shores-Argüello — Make Believe
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Oct 1, 2021 Jacob Shores-Argüello, a Costa Rican American poet and prose writer, shares a vivid recollection of childhood grief and imagination. He discusses a poignant poem where he and his cousin transform into bears, escaping into the mountains while grappling with loss. Their fantastical play serves as both refuge and a coping mechanism. The conversation delves into the emotional complexities of childhood innocence, companionship, and the power of creativity in processing sorrow.
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Childhood Friendship
- Pádraig Ó Tuama and his friend David used to dismantle an abandoned farmhouse as children.
- Their shared activity fostered a strong bond, despite their limited verbal communication.
Shifting Perspectives
- The poem blends adult reflection with a child's perspective on grief.
- The child's voice seems to critique the adult's interpretation of their actions, highlighting the power of escapism.
Fantasy and Reality
- The poem explores the children's clear-eyed view of death alongside their imaginative play.
- This shows how children can simultaneously grasp reality and engage in fantasy as coping mechanisms.