Literature Annotations
 |
Ray, David |
| Genre | Poem |
| Keywords | Aging, Death and Dying, Freedom, Medical Ethics, Patient Experience, Suicide |
| Summary | Imagine bits of conversation you might hear at a meeting of the Hemlock Society. "A very brave woman." "Not wanting to become / a mere vegetable." "A burden to others." Some other people want to hold on, even though the burden is measured in tons. The speaker concludes that he wants to keep his subscription paid up "and keep / the stash handy."[28 lines] |
| Commentary | A thin poem--thin lines and straightforward in meaning--composed of cleverly placed sentiments and snatches of conversation. The focus here is on "wilting / to flummery" and becoming a burden to your family. |
| Source | Kangaroo Paws |
| Publisher | Thomas Jefferson Univ. Press |
| Edition | 1994 |
| Place Published | Kirksville, Mo. |
| Annotated by | Coulehan, Jack |
| Date of Entry | 07/05/99 |