A Comparison of Two Poems Essay Example
A Comparison of Two Poems Essay Example

A Comparison of Two Poems Essay Example

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Mark Mcwatt and Hazel Simmons-McDonald have authored a book called "In a world of poetry for CXC," which contains two poems titled "Forgive my guilt" and "Once upon a time." These poems delve into the wrongdoings of young, innocent children and highlight the passionate and fervent essence of childhood. Despite addressing different situations, both poems evoke contrasting feelings and elicit varied responses from readers.

The story "Once upon a time" by Gabriel Okara tells the tale of a man reflecting on a period in his life when he experienced innocence and love, and encountered warm-hearted and welcoming people. However, he eventually realizes that their hospitality was insincere and their hearts were devoid of warmth. He adapts to this society by learning how to hide his true em

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otions and be untruthful, which fills him with sadness. Ultimately, he finds solace in observing his son with admiration and affection, urging him to teach him how to recapture the joyous laughter and genuine smiles of their past.

The protagonist in the text longs to recapture his innocence, love, and kind-heartedness from his youth, just like his son. On the other hand, "Forgive my guilt" by Robert. P. Tristan Coffin tells the story of a man who reflects on his past as a boy and believes he has committed a sin. The memory of shooting "two birds on golden legs" torments him with constant pain and serves as a stark reminder of his wrongdoing. When the author hears the sorrowful cries of the birds with broken wings swimming out to sea, he realizes his wrongful act. The haunting sounds of sorrow stay with him foreve

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as the birds drift away into the sea.

The author expresses remorse, anxious hope for survival, and a yearning for forgiveness in this reflective piece. The poems within the text explore various situations, each evoking contrasting moods through the use of different devices and sad phrases. Specifically, the poem 'Forgive my guilt' portrays a mood of shame regarding the author's heinous actions. The author creates a somber atmosphere by using heartfelt expressions such as "but I have hoped for years all that is wild, Airy and beautiful will forgive my guilt." Similarly, 'Once upon a time' brings forth nostalgic feelings.

In both poems, the writer sets a mood by using similes and phrases. In "Once upon a time," the phrase "I want to be what I used to be when I was like you" creates a sincere longing for love and kindness that reminds one of children. This poem also examines how society affects individuals and those around them, whether positively or negatively. Conversely, in "Forgive my Guilt," phrases like "my laugh in the mirror shows only my teeth like snakes bare fangs" evoke feelings of remorse and a desire for forgiveness. It emphasizes how actions committed during childhood can continue to haunt someone into adulthood.

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