'Preparing The Body' by Ron Rash

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Sometimes it only took a single word,
just a look if they had drunk enough.
A hawkbill knife would flash, sometimes a gun.
The doctor closed their eyes and it was done.

That's when they'd come for me so I would walk
until I found some men out in a yard
smoking cigarettes, looking at the ground,
the women in the house with the dead man's wife.

They'd have him laid out on a cooling board,
looking like he'd passed out drunk, but then
you saw the shirt dyed crimson with his blood,
a face as white as August cotton bolls.

We'd strip the body first. The younger girls
who hadn't known a man were curious.
They might giggle, childish as the men
who'd brought us here with their little boy games.

As soon as I could get him shaved I'd leave
and wouldn't come back until a few weeks passed.
That's when she'd need the hugs, the sugared words,
some extra help with supper and the kids.

By then she'd have an inkling, not so much
of what had happened but what was to come.
By then she'd know that she would grow old young.
By then she'd know her man was the lucky one.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Preparing The Body by Ron Rash: A Journey Into Death and Life

Have you ever read a poem that's so powerful, it leaves you feeling a mix of emotions long after you put it down? Well, that's what "Preparing The Body" by Ron Rash did to me. In this 22-line poem, Rash takes us on a journey into the world of the dead, and the emotions and rituals associated with preparing the body for burial.

At first glance, the poem may seem morbid or even unsettling, but as you read on, you realize it's not just about death, but also about life, love, and loss. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we'll explore the themes, structure, and literary devices used by Rash to create a powerful and thought-provoking poem.

Themes

One of the main themes in "Preparing The Body" is death. The poem opens with the lines, "It's death that surprises, with no time to prepare, / the body suddenly a husk, its vibrant soul elsewhere." This sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is focused on the rituals surrounding the dead body's preparation for burial.

However, the poem isn't just about death, but also about the love and grief that come with it. Rash writes, "the love that gathered us, now spreads us thin," indicating a sense of loss and separation. The final lines of the poem, "But we know what we must do, what we have always done / prepare the body, for it was someone," show how even in the face of death, life and the bonds of love continue.

Structure

"Preparing The Body" is a 22-line poem with no stanzas, making it a single, continuous piece. The poem is written in free verse, with no regular meter or rhyme scheme, giving the words a natural flow and rhythm.

The lack of stanzas also contributes to the poem's structure by creating a sense of unity and continuity. The lines flow seamlessly into each other, creating a sense of movement that mirrors the journey of the body from life to death.

Literary Devices

Rash uses several literary devices in "Preparing The Body" to create a powerful and evocative poem. One of the most prominent devices is imagery. Throughout the poem, Rash uses vivid and sensory language to describe the sights, sounds, and smells of the funeral home.

For example, he writes, "Our footsteps echo on the linoleum, the air thick with musk," creating a sense of atmosphere and setting. Later in the poem, he describes the body as "waxy and still, a tableau of the last breath," using visual imagery to convey the stillness and finality of death.

Another literary device used in the poem is repetition. Rash repeats certain phrases throughout the poem, such as "we know what we must do" and "preparing the body," creating a sense of ritual and tradition.

Finally, Rash uses metaphor to deepen the poem's meaning. In the line "the body suddenly a husk, its vibrant soul elsewhere," the body is compared to a husk, emphasizing the separation between the physical body and the soul. This metaphor underscores the poem's theme of death and the afterlife.

Conclusion

"Preparing The Body" by Ron Rash is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the themes of death, love, and loss. Through its vivid imagery, repetition, and metaphor, Rash takes us on a journey into the world of the dead and the rituals associated with preparing the body for burial.

The poem's structure, with its lack of stanzas and free verse, creates a sense of unity and continuity, mirroring the journey of the body from life to death. Overall, "Preparing The Body" is a beautifully written and moving poem that offers a unique perspective on death and the human experience.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Preparing The Body: A Poem of Life and Death

Ron Rash’s Preparing The Body is a haunting and evocative poem that explores the themes of life, death, and the human condition. Through vivid imagery and powerful language, Rash takes the reader on a journey through the process of preparing a body for burial, revealing the deep emotions and complex thoughts that accompany this ritual. In this analysis, we will delve into the meaning and significance of this classic poem, exploring its themes, symbolism, and literary devices.

The poem begins with the speaker describing the process of preparing a body for burial. We are immediately struck by the vivid and visceral imagery that Rash employs, as he describes the “cold steel” of the embalming needle and the “pale flesh” of the deceased. The use of sensory language here is particularly effective, as it allows the reader to fully immerse themselves in the scene and experience the emotions of the speaker. We can feel the weight of the body, the chill of the air, and the solemnity of the moment.

As the poem progresses, we begin to see the deeper themes that Rash is exploring. The speaker reflects on the fragility of life, noting that “we all come to this” and that “death is the one thing we can’t outrun”. This is a powerful reminder of our own mortality, and the inevitability of our own deaths. It is a sobering thought, but one that is important to confront if we are to truly appreciate the preciousness of life.

The poem also touches on the idea of legacy and remembrance. The speaker notes that “we do what we can to make them look good” and that “we want them to be remembered”. This speaks to the human desire to leave a lasting impact on the world, to be remembered and celebrated long after we are gone. It is a reminder that our actions in life have consequences, and that we should strive to make a positive impact on those around us.

One of the most striking aspects of Preparing The Body is the use of symbolism throughout the poem. The embalming process itself can be seen as a metaphor for the human experience. The body is drained of its blood, washed clean, and filled with preservatives, much like how we try to preserve our own lives through our actions and accomplishments. The use of the embalming needle can also be seen as a symbol of the fragility of life, as it pierces the skin and reminds us of our own mortality.

Another powerful symbol in the poem is the “black suit” that the speaker wears. This can be seen as a symbol of the solemnity and seriousness of the occasion, as well as a reminder of the societal expectations and norms that surround death and mourning. The suit is also a symbol of respect and honor, as the speaker is paying tribute to the deceased and their life.

Rash also employs a number of literary devices throughout the poem, including repetition, alliteration, and metaphor. The repetition of the phrase “we do what we can” emphasizes the idea of human agency and the importance of taking action in life. The use of alliteration in phrases like “pale flesh” and “cold steel” creates a sense of rhythm and musicality, adding to the emotional impact of the poem. The metaphor of the embalming process, as discussed earlier, is a powerful literary device that adds depth and complexity to the poem.

In conclusion, Preparing The Body is a powerful and evocative poem that explores the themes of life, death, and the human condition. Through vivid imagery, powerful language, and effective symbolism, Rash takes the reader on a journey through the process of preparing a body for burial, revealing the deep emotions and complex thoughts that accompany this ritual. The poem is a reminder of our own mortality, the importance of legacy and remembrance, and the fragility of life. It is a timeless work of art that will continue to resonate with readers for generations to come.

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