There's+a+Certain+Slant+of+Light

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There's a certain Slant of light, Winter Afternoons — That oppresses, like the Heft Of Cathedral Tunes —

Heavenly Hurt, it gives us — We can find no scar, But internal difference, Where the Meanings, are —

None may teach it — Any — 'Tis the Seal Despair — An imperial affliction Sent us of the Air —

When it comes, the Landscape listens — Shadows — hold their breath — When it goes, 'tis like the Distance On the look of Death —

I paraphrased this poem as the following: Theres a light that shines brightly and oppressingly that through which we can find no scars nor internal differences in which we can see meaning. You can't teach this light, and yet it is the symbol of despair. It is an affliction sent to us from God. When it comes, everything listens and watches, and when it leaves, everything is left to the mercy of death. Basically, people have afflictions and hard times during their lives, but you need to hold on to your life because when all of these afflictions are gone, it will be time for your death. 1205466321

This poem was so tough for me to understand. Even after we went over it was still kind of confusing. I don't like when there's an wasy way to say something and instead of using it the writer decides to use a metaphor or something that forces you to seriously consider what you're reading. I understand that it enhances the writing but come on. When you're trying to make a simple point I'm sure it wouldn't kill you to just say what you mean.1205468789

When you are making something not complicated, you're taking a way from overall effect of the piece of literature. If you want a straight-up opinion from someone, read a non-fiction book. If you want to see the beauty of that writer's imagination and soul, read their poetry! When an author writes poetry, it is a piece of their soul. However complicated the literature is is how complicated their soul is. I understand what you mean by saying that her poetry is difficult to understand, but I disagree with not even trying. 1205469265