What is the language, structure, theme, literary devices, rhyming scheme, stanza breaks, subject matter, unusual features and poetic devices of Child Burial by Paula Mehaan
"Child Burial" by Paula Meehan is a poem written in the English language with a free verse structure. The theme of the poem revolves around the death of a child and the grief and mourning that follows.
The poem does not follow a strict rhyming scheme, and there are no stanza breaks in the text. The subject matter is heavy and emotional, focusing on the pain of losing a young life.
Meehan uses literary devices such as imagery, metaphor, and simile to convey the emotional depth of the poem. For example, she describes the child's coffin as "a small boat" and compares their limbs to "branches / iced and crackling."
One of the unusual features of the poem is the use of the second person pronoun "you," which adds a sense of intimacy and addresses the reader directly, drawing them into the experience of grief and loss.
Overall, "Child Burial" is a poignant and powerful poem that explores the complexity of emotions surrounding the death of a child. Meehan's use of language and imagery evokes a sense of deep sadness and mourning, making the poem a moving and impactful work.