Before She Died

505 Words3 Pages
People have different interpretations of what death is and have various approaches as to understanding the broad idea of death. Karen Chase expresses her perception and understanding of death with descriptions in her poem “Before She Died”. Karen Chase dedicates this poem to a loved one that has died. It is apparent to the reader of this because she sums up different ways of dealing with her loss. In her first verse Chase mentions how she “could take in” her views of the sky for her loved one. We as the reader get the idea that although the physical being of her loved one has been taken from her, the emotions and its soul will forever remain in her heart. It is clear that in Chase’s mind, death does not stop someone from loving whom he or she love or remember those whom have died. They still always remain as a symbol of joy in her life. She mentions that she “did not walk briskly through the field” which is shown as what impact this death has had on her life. We get a sense of appreciation from this last statement. It shows us that it takes something like a death to truly appreciate what the world has to offer, however it also means that the opportunity is lost for the friend being able to admire life at its fullest. Death has made her more appreciative and mindful of her time left before her own death. We, as the reader, can also assume that her wondering of “how finite these lustered days seem” may also reveal the impact this death has had on her. The concept has Chase wondering about the meaning of every day. She considers the fact that in this world, we only have limited time to appreciate the wonder of the world. The last verse shows us the reader how she understands the concept of death. Chase believes and reveals that there is an after life for those who have died. Although she has not been through the experience, it just goes to show the different
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