'Long Distance II' by Tony Harrison
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Though my mother was already two years dead
Dad kept her slippers warming by the gas,
put hot water bottles her side of the bed
and still went to renew her transport pass.
You couldn't just drop in. You had to phone.
He'd put you off an hour to give him time
to clear away her things and look alone
as though his still raw love were such a crime.
He couldn't risk my blight of disbelief
though sure that very soon he'd hear her key
scrape in the rusted lock and end his grief.
He knew she'd just popped out to get the tea.
I believe life ends with death, and that is all.
You haven't both gone shopping; just the same,
in my new black leather phone book there's your name
and the disconnected number I still call.
Submitted by Scott Dagostino
Editor 1 Interpretation
Long Distance II: A Journey Through Grief
Tony Harrison's poem Long Distance II is a moving exploration of the complexities of grief and the ways in which it can impact our lives. Written in 1986, the poem is a continuation of his earlier work, Long Distance, which tells the story of his father's death and the impact it had on his family. In Long Distance II, Harrison revisits the theme of loss and reflects on how his father's absence continues to affect him years after his death.
In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will analyze the poem's structure and themes, and highlight the literary devices that make it a powerful and emotionally charged work. So, buckle up and get ready to embark on a journey through grief with Tony Harrison.
Structure and Form
The first thing that strikes the reader about the poem is its structure. Consisting of eight stanzas of varying lengths, the poem is written in free verse with irregular line lengths and no rhyme scheme. This lack of formal structure reflects the chaotic nature of grief and the way in which it disrupts the order of our lives.
The poem is also notable for its use of enjambment and caesura, which create a sense of fragmentation and rupture. Lines such as "I put new batteries in the clock / and set it for the time you flew" and "your disconnected number, / your old address wiped out by white paint" are examples of the way in which Harrison uses these literary devices to convey the sense of loss and dislocation that comes with grief.
Themes
The central theme of Long Distance II is, of course, grief. But the poem goes beyond simply describing the experience of loss and delves into the ways in which grief can affect our relationships, our memories, and our sense of self.
One of the most striking aspects of the poem is the way in which Harrison portrays the lasting impact of his father's death. Even years after his passing, Harrison is still haunted by the memory of his father and feels his absence keenly. He writes, "I'm still coming to terms with the lonely / audience seat that's always reserved" and "I still pick up haddock, / hearing you complain of the cod."
This sense of longing and incompleteness is a recurring theme throughout the poem. Harrison describes the ways in which his father's absence has affected his relationship with his mother, writing "she's stopped / driving out to the cemetery" and "she's keeping your place at the table."
Another theme that emerges in the poem is the tension between memory and reality. Harrison describes how memories of his father are interwoven with the physical objects and spaces that he left behind. He writes, "I still see you, Dad, in every snapshot / mugging up with the Joneses" and "I go down the back lane / behind the empty house."
But these memories are constantly being disrupted and erased by the passage of time. Harrison writes, "I've had to make do without you" and "your disconnected number, / your old address wiped out by white paint." The poem thus highlights the fragility of memory and the ways in which it can be distorted or erased by external forces.
Literary Devices
Harrison's use of literary devices in Long Distance II is masterful and adds depth and nuance to the poem. Some of the most notable examples include:
Imagery
The poem is filled with vivid and evocative imagery that brings the experience of grief to life. Harrison describes his father's empty chair as "a still life made real" and the house where he used to live as "an empty space of walls and floor." These images convey the sense of absence and emptiness that comes with loss.
Metaphor
Harrison uses metaphor to create powerful comparisons that help the reader understand the emotions he is expressing. For example, he compares his father's death to a "bomb" that "blew away the past" and describes his own grief as a "sickness" that he cannot shake.
Repetition
The repetition of certain words and phrases throughout the poem creates a sense of continuity and connection. The phrase "Long Distance" is repeated several times, for example, as is the idea of things being "wiped out" or erased. These repetitions help to reinforce the central themes of the poem and create a sense of unity and coherence.
Irony
Harrison uses irony to great effect in the poem, particularly when describing his mother's attempts to cope with her grief. He writes, "Mam, I can still see / you wincing at my father's nickname, / complaining his mam's cooking / was always too salty, his dad's beer / was flat, his brother's jokes too rude." The irony here lies in the fact that these complaints, which once annoyed his father, are now all that is left of him.
Conclusion
Long Distance II is a powerful and deeply affecting poem that captures the essence of grief in all its complexity. Through its vivid imagery, masterful use of literary devices, and unflinching honesty, Harrison creates a portrait of loss that is both universal and intensely personal. By exploring the lasting impact of his father's death on his own life and the lives of those around him, he reminds us of the ways in which grief can shape and define us long after the initial shock has worn off.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Long Distance II: A Poem of Love, Loss, and Grief
Tony Harrison’s Long Distance II is a powerful and poignant poem that explores the themes of love, loss, and grief. Written in 1987, the poem is a sequel to Long Distance I, which was published in 1978. In Long Distance II, Harrison reflects on the death of his father and the impact it has had on his life. Through vivid imagery, powerful metaphors, and a deeply personal voice, Harrison captures the complex emotions of grief and the enduring power of love.
The poem begins with the speaker describing his father’s death and the aftermath of his passing. The opening lines set the tone for the rest of the poem, as the speaker describes the “long distance” between himself and his father, both in life and in death. The use of the phrase “long distance” is significant, as it suggests a sense of separation and distance that cannot be bridged. This theme of distance is further emphasized throughout the poem, as the speaker reflects on the ways in which his father’s death has affected his life.
One of the most striking aspects of Long Distance II is the way in which Harrison uses imagery to convey the emotions of grief. For example, in the second stanza, the speaker describes how he and his mother “kept [his father’s] slippers warming by the gas.” This image of the empty slippers, waiting for their owner to return, is a powerful metaphor for the sense of loss and absence that the speaker feels. Similarly, in the third stanza, the speaker describes how he still hears his father’s voice “in the telephone crackle.” This image of the crackling phone line is a haunting reminder of the distance between the speaker and his father, and the sense of loss that he feels.
Throughout the poem, Harrison also uses repetition to emphasize the themes of love and loss. For example, in the fourth stanza, the speaker repeats the phrase “he’d stay the night” three times, emphasizing the sense of longing and nostalgia that he feels for his father. This repetition is also used in the final stanza, where the speaker repeats the phrase “so how did I end up like this?” This repetition emphasizes the sense of confusion and disorientation that the speaker feels in the wake of his father’s death.
Another notable aspect of Long Distance II is the way in which Harrison uses language to convey the speaker’s emotions. The poem is written in a deeply personal voice, with the speaker addressing his father directly throughout. This creates a sense of intimacy and vulnerability, as the speaker shares his innermost thoughts and feelings with his father. The use of colloquial language, such as “I’m knackered” and “I’m pissed off,” also adds to the sense of authenticity and emotional honesty in the poem.
Overall, Long Distance II is a powerful and moving poem that explores the themes of love, loss, and grief. Through vivid imagery, powerful metaphors, and a deeply personal voice, Harrison captures the complex emotions of grief and the enduring power of love. The poem is a testament to the enduring bond between a father and son, and the ways in which that bond can transcend even death.
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