Poem:
Neglect by R. T. Smith
Summary:
The speaker in this poem seems to be filled with regret and sadness due to the fact that his apple tree he had neglected is now gone. It connects to a more general theme, such as loss. The fact that, we neglect to spend as much time as possible with the ones we love, and regret it in the ending when we realize it is too late. We tend to blame ourselves in every way, for it’s hard to deal with sudden tragedies. Looking at the apple tree as more of a metaphor, one can see that the speaker cannot help but find something precious to be lost. Continuously he even says “I should have” rather than facing acceptance. The reason the speaker’s idea can be expressed easily without having to actually state the loss of an apple tree as metaphorical, is that the poem is titled neglect. It is simply generalizing what others could feel the topic may express to them. The tone of voice complements the words perfectly, for it is emotional and the metaphors carry on the moral of the poem. The mood constantly makes you think that he is facing a hard battle, for it is depressing. “Is the scent of apple boughs smoking in the woodstove what I will remember of the Red Delicious I brought down, ashamed” This line presents regret and the burden that hangs over him for he had not cared for the tree enough, although he had loved it very much; much like the people in our lives. However, he does speak of everyone, “For any living being unloved, untended.” For in his mind he knows what it’s like to do such upon others. Overall what the speaker feels the reader feels, and the feeling is guilt and grief.
Don't forget to paraphrase!
Paraphrase means to put it into your own words.
Hope this helps!
- Melanie
