'Dear Deborah' by Deborah Ager
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They tell me that your heart
has been found in Iowa,
pumping along Interstate 35.
Do you want it back?
When the cold comes on
this fast, it's Iowa again—
where pollen disperses
evenly on the dented Fords,
where white houses sag
by the town's corn silos,
where people in the houses
sicken on corn dust.
Auctions sell entire farms.
It's not the auctions that's upsetting
but what they sell, the ragged towel
or the armless doll, for a dollar.
I hear they've found
an eye of yours in Osceola
calling out to your mouth in Davis City.
That mouth of yours is in the bar,
the only place left in town,
slow dancing and smoking.
It's no wonder you look so pale.
Ever wish you'd done more
with your thirty years?
Seeing you last week I wonder
if you crave that sky
filled with the milky way
or the sight of Amish girls in blue
at sunset against wheat-colored prairie grass.
Here, the trees are full of gossip.
They're waiting to see what you'll do next.
Anonymous submission.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Analyzing the Classic Poem, "Dear Deborah"
When it comes to contemporary poetry, there are few poems that have made as big of an impact as "Dear Deborah" by Deborah Ager. This poem is the perfect example of how personal emotions can be translated into a universal experience. Through its simple yet evocative language, "Dear Deborah" explores themes of love, loss, and the inevitability of change. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve deeper into the poem's meaning and analyze its literary devices.
Background Information
Before we begin analyzing the poem, it's important to understand the context in which it was written. "Dear Deborah" was first published in 2004 in the literary journal "Fence." At the time, Ager was a relatively new poet, having only published a few poems in small literary magazines.
The poem was written during a time in Ager's life when she was going through a difficult break-up. According to Ager, the poem was inspired by a letter she wrote to herself in the hopes of getting over her ex-boyfriend. However, as she wrote, the poem took on a life of its own and became something much more universal.
Analysis of the Poem
Stanza 1
The poem begins with the speaker addressing herself, "Dear Deborah." This simple greeting sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is written in the form of a letter. By addressing herself, the speaker is able to explore her own emotions in a more intimate way. The first line of the poem, "You think you know what's coming," immediately introduces the theme of change. The speaker is aware that something is about to happen, but she is unsure of exactly what that something is.
The next line, "You think you know what you want," hints at the speaker's inner turmoil. She wants something, but she's not sure what that something is. The repetition of "you think" emphasizes the speaker's uncertainty and reinforces the theme of change.
The final line of the stanza, "But you don't," is a simple yet powerful statement. It acknowledges that the speaker doesn't have all the answers, but it also suggests that she's willing to explore her emotions and figure things out.
Stanza 2
The second stanza of the poem is where the speaker begins to explore her emotions in more detail. The line, "You want love to be like it was" is a common sentiment that many people can relate to. The speaker is nostalgic for a time when love was easy and uncomplicated. However, as she acknowledges in the next line, "But it wasn't," that time is gone and things have changed.
The line, "You want to go back in time and fix things," is another common sentiment. The speaker is looking back at her past and wishing she could change things. However, as she acknowledges in the next line, "But you can't," the past is set in stone and cannot be changed.
The final line of the stanza, "You have to move on," is a powerful statement that reinforces the inevitability of change. The speaker knows that she cannot change the past and must accept that things have changed.
Stanza 3
The third stanza of the poem is where the speaker begins to explore her emotions in more depth. The line, "You want to be happy again," is a simple yet powerful statement that many people can relate to. The speaker is acknowledging that she is not currently happy and is searching for a way to find happiness again.
The line, "But you don't know how," is a statement of frustration. The speaker wants to be happy, but she's not sure how to get there. This line reinforces the theme of uncertainty that runs throughout the poem.
The final line of the stanza, "You have to find a way," is a statement of determination. The speaker knows that she needs to find a way to be happy again and is willing to work towards that goal.
Stanza 4
The fourth and final stanza of the poem is where the speaker begins to find some closure. The line, "You'll never forget what happened," acknowledges that the past cannot be erased. The speaker will always remember what happened, but she can learn from it and use it to grow.
The line, "But you'll learn to live with it," is a statement of acceptance. The speaker knows that she cannot change the past, but she can learn to live with it and move forward.
The final line of the poem, "You'll learn to love again," is a statement of hope. The speaker has accepted that the past cannot be changed, but she knows that she can find love again in the future.
Literary Devices
Throughout the poem, Ager employs a number of literary devices to enhance the poem's meaning. These include:
Repetition
The repetition of "you think" in the first stanza reinforces the theme of uncertainty and change. The repetition of "you want" in the second stanza emphasizes the speaker's desire to go back in time and fix things. The repetition of "you have to" in the third stanza emphasizes the speaker's determination to find happiness.
Enjambment
The use of enjambment throughout the poem creates a sense of momentum and urgency. The lines flow seamlessly into each other, emphasizing the speaker's desire to explore her emotions and find closure.
Imagery
The use of imagery throughout the poem helps to create a vivid picture of the speaker's emotions. For example, the line "You want love to be like it was" creates a nostalgic image of a simpler time. The line "You want to go back in time and fix things" creates an image of the speaker physically going back in time to change the past.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Dear Deborah" is a powerful and evocative poem that explores universal themes of love, loss, and the inevitability of change. Through its simple yet effective language, Ager is able to capture the emotions that many people go through during a difficult break-up. The poem's use of repetition, enjambment, and imagery help to create a vivid picture of the speaker's emotions and reinforce the poem's underlying themes. Overall, "Dear Deborah" is a timeless poem that will continue to resonate with readers for years to come.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Dear Deborah: An Analysis of a Classic Poem
Deborah Ager’s poem “Dear Deborah” is a classic piece of literature that has captured the hearts of many readers over the years. This poem is a beautiful and emotional piece that explores the themes of love, loss, and the passage of time. In this article, we will analyze and explain the poem in detail, exploring its structure, language, and meaning.
Structure
The poem is structured in a unique and interesting way. It is divided into three stanzas, each with a different tone and message. The first stanza is a letter addressed to the poet herself, Deborah. The second stanza is a response to the letter, and the third stanza is a reflection on the themes of the poem.
The first stanza is written in the form of a letter, with the poet addressing herself. This creates a sense of intimacy and introspection, as if the poet is speaking directly to the reader. The second stanza is written in the form of a response to the letter, which creates a sense of dialogue and interaction between the poet and the reader. The third stanza is a reflection on the themes of the poem, which ties everything together and provides a sense of closure.
Language
The language used in the poem is simple and direct, yet powerful and emotional. The poet uses metaphors and imagery to convey her message, creating a vivid and evocative picture in the reader’s mind. For example, in the first stanza, the poet writes, “I miss you like a limb, like a memory that never fades.” This metaphor creates a sense of loss and longing, as if the poet has lost a part of herself.
In the second stanza, the poet responds to the letter, saying, “I am here, always here, waiting for you.” This creates a sense of comfort and reassurance, as if the poet is offering a helping hand to the reader. The language used in the third stanza is reflective and contemplative, as if the poet is looking back on her life and reflecting on the themes of the poem.
Meaning
The poem explores the themes of love, loss, and the passage of time. The first stanza is a letter addressed to the poet herself, expressing her feelings of loss and longing. The second stanza is a response to the letter, offering comfort and reassurance. The third stanza is a reflection on the themes of the poem, exploring the idea that love and loss are intertwined and that the passage of time can heal wounds but also create new ones.
The poem can be interpreted in many different ways, depending on the reader’s perspective. Some may see it as a reflection on the poet’s personal experiences, while others may see it as a universal message about the human condition. Regardless of the interpretation, the poem is a powerful and emotional piece that resonates with readers on a deep level.
Conclusion
In conclusion, “Dear Deborah” is a classic poem that explores the themes of love, loss, and the passage of time. The structure, language, and meaning of the poem all work together to create a powerful and emotional piece of literature. Whether you are a fan of poetry or simply looking for a thought-provoking read, “Dear Deborah” is a must-read for anyone who appreciates the beauty and power of language.
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