Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

In "Living Will," Edward Field reflects on mortality, legacy, and the emotions surrounding one's final wishes. The poem reads like a personal letter, offering a mix of practical instructions and heartfelt reflections that reveal the complexity of facing death. Field blends dark humor with sincerity, creating a candid and introspective meditation on what it means to be prepared for the "final event."

The poem begins with a pragmatic declaration: "All is ready for the final event: / The will is in the top left drawer of the chest / along with instructions about cremation." The speaker finds solace in being prepared, noting that "it's quite relaxing, really, to have one's affairs in order." However, he anticipates "the inevitable final panic before the breathing stops," describing it as a "terrifying moment."

Despite the fear of dying, the speaker imagines the "bliss, as life fades away, to let it all go." He firmly instructs, "Please follow my instructions not to resuscitate, / or keep me alive as a medical case." He views such measures as "not acceptable to me / and would be an unnecessary burden on you."

The speaker acknowledges that "much will be left in your hands," apologizing for "the mess" that is "unavoidable." He leaves "all the money" to the recipient as a "small consolation," while also asking them to send his "oriental carpets to my sister who was always my co-conspirator in the family."

The speaker expresses his "chief qualm" about leaving behind his literary works:  

"I'm used to the literary world after fifty years of it— / submissions, / the long waits for editorial decision, the rejections, / or publication in an obscure journal several years later."  

He recognizes the challenges of promoting a dead poet, but also sees it as "an amusing hobby." Field humorously calls poetry a "posterity sweepstakes," unsure if his work will be remembered but confident that he won't be "hard to overlook in a field of forgettables."

He admits to being "still obsessed with my career, a foolishness I've never grown out of," acknowledging the "obsession, poetry and the world of poetry" that has defined his life. Despite facing "oblivion," he finds it attractive because "nobody else gives a damn about" it.

He expresses devotion to a friend and hopes that "he has died before me / so I need not regret abandoning him to the difficulties of a single life." If not, he entrusts his "dear sister" to "look after him."

The speaker concludes with a mix of grief and practicality: "He is my main reason for grief at leaving the world." He remains preoccupied with his unfinished work: "But I can't say my farewells just yet, / my memoirs still need a lot of work, / and I've got to finish my new manuscript of poetry."

The poem ends with the speaker's final wish:  

"May death take me only as I put down the last word."  

Themes and Interpretation:

1. Mortality and Legacy: The poem explores how the speaker wants to be remembered and the legacy he wishes to leave behind.

2. Preparation and Control: The speaker finds solace in having his affairs in order but recognizes the inevitability of losing control over certain aspects of death.

3. Humor and Sincerity: Field balances humor with sincerity, using candid reflections to navigate the practical and emotional aspects of mortality.

4. Devotion and Relationships: The speaker's devotion to his friend and sister reveals the importance of relationships and their role in easing the transition of death.

Structure and Tone:

The poem is written in free verse, allowing Field to adopt a conversational and intimate tone. The language is straightforward yet expressive, blending humor with poignancy to convey the speaker's reflections.

Conclusion:

"Living Will" by Edward Field is a candid and introspective meditation on mortality, legacy, and devotion. Through dark humor and heartfelt reflections, Field navigates the complexities of facing death and leaving one's affairs in order. The poem invites readers to reflect on their own final wishes and the balance between practical preparation and emotional closure.

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