Commentary On Life

Commentary On Life

LIFE

They told me that Life could be just what I made it -
Life could be fashioned and worn like a gown;
I, the designer; mine the decision
Whether to wear it with bonnet or crown.

And so I selected the prettiest pattern -
Life should be made of the rosiest hue -
Something unique, and a bit out of fashion,
One that perhaps would be chosen by few.

But other folks came and they leaned o'er my shoulder;
Somebody questioned the ultimate cost;
Somebody tangled the thread I was using;
One day I found that my scissors were lost.

And somebody claimed the material faded;
Somebody said I'd be tired ere 'twas worn;
Somebody's fingers, too pointed and spiteful,
Snatched at the cloth, and I saw it was torn.

Oh! Somebody tried to do all the sewing,
Wanting always to advise or condone.
Here is my life, the product of many;
Where is that gown I could fashion - alone?

Nan Terell Reed

Commentary on Life by Nan Terell Reed
Nan Terell Reed’s Life is a solemn and lyrical commentary on the out of control outside forces that try to govern over one’s life and make it what they think it should be. The poet is expressing his inner feelings and is deeply earnest, tending towards sad reflection. He is an individual who has tried his hardest to make his own master piece but as the poem continues it is evident the poet has some struggle controlling the making of this gown. The theme of having a lack of control and conformity verses individuality is mirrored in the poetic structure and form, changes in tone and vivid imagery of Life.
The title of the poem Life reinforces the idea that the poem is regarding in some way to a person’s existence on this earth. The poem is made up of five quatrains, each quatrain shows his progression in realization, in the begging he is naive and then learns the truth. The poem is made up of the End Rhyme scheme abcb. The consistent rhyme scheme shows the discontented temperament of the poet’s life. In the poem the...