Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

The poem opens with a direct address to the "Death Angel," setting the tone for a personal and existential dialogue. The speaker acknowledges death as an "old familiar, old nemesis," suggesting a long and intimate acquaintance with its presence. The imagery of death's "floating shape" and its ability to "seduce the torn curtain" evokes a sense of its pervasive and invasive nature, highlighting death's ability to permeate even the most private and sacred spaces of human life.

As the poem unfolds, Hull expands on the omnipresence of death, portraying it as a force that resides in the "funneling depths of the heavens," the "maimed child," and the "prison dog’s howl." This universality of death is further emphasized through the depiction of its presence in everyday life— from "deep lawns" and "TVs pollinating air" to the "column of subway wind." The speaker's acknowledgment of having seen death's impact firsthand, from the "woman’s hair over her face" in a moment of violence to the "dazzling boys" torn apart by AIDS, underscores the indiscriminate nature of death and its capacity to bring about profound loss and suffering.

Hull's portrayal of death is not limited to its physical manifestations; she delves into the psychological and emotional landscapes it shapes. The poem speaks to the "delirium" and "furious thumbprints" death leaves on those it touches, suggesting the deep and lasting scars left on the survivors and the bereaved. The speaker's confession of having "cursed you in your greed" and "acquiesced in your wake" reveals a complex interplay of resistance, anger, and resignation in the face of death's inexorable march.

The poem culminates in a powerful acknowledgment of death's integral role in the human condition: "You are the human wage." This realization brings a sense of closure to the suite, framing death not as an aberration but as a fundamental aspect of life, intertwined with love, loss, and the pursuit of meaning. The speaker's admission of weariness, "Death I am tired of you," resonates as a poignant acceptance of mortality, a surrender to the inevitable cycle of life and death that defines our existence.

"Suite for Emily: 5. Address" is a moving and contemplative exploration of death's multifaceted presence in our lives, inviting readers to reflect on their own encounters with loss and the ways in which death shapes our understanding of life, love, and the connections that bind us. Lynda Hull's lyrical language and vivid imagery offer a compelling meditation on the inescapable reality of death and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of its profound mysteries

Copyright (c) 2025 PoetryExplorer

Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!

Other Poems of Interest...