Poetry Unbound Martín Espada — After the Goose that Rose Like the God of Geese
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Jun 7, 2021 Martín Espada, a prolific poet and professor, delves into the depths of grief while discussing his poem 'After the Goose that Rose Like the God of Geese.' He shares how bereavement transforms everyday tasks into emotional burdens and the solace he finds in nature. Feeding birds becomes a poignant ritual, allowing him to connect with his feelings of loss. Espada also reflects on his relationship with his late father, exploring how personal connections and spontaneous instincts can illuminate the path of mourning.
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Power of "After" in Grief
- The repeated use of "after" builds intensity, illustrating the cumulative weight of grief rituals and emotions.
- The poem balances life's tangible actions with grief's chaotic emotion, showing their intertwined nature.
Feeding Birds as Tangible Relief
- Martín Espada seeks to connect on a primal level by feeding birds, embodying a creature feeding creatures.
- This act offers him tangible relief amid intangible grief.
The Goose's Dual Symbolism
- The goose in the poem symbolizes both divine and demonic facets of grief's fury.
- This representation challenges traditional notions of Eucharistic peace with raw, anarchic hunger.