When the great trees fall

 2. Answer the following questions in 30-40 words. 

a) In the phrase ‘their senses erode beyond fear’ the poet emphasises that the ones at loss are not even sure what they feel for their senses (are) eroded beyond fear. This refers to the numbness of heart and soul that often immediately follows the loss of someone great. 

b) In this line the poet explores the feeling of anger and regret as she highlights the baggage of having unexpressed feelings in the heart, that a person experiences. This loss has left her desperately longing for more time to express the love she felt in her heart for the person who was taken too soon. 

c) The poet explains that loss can truly change a person’s reality. When one’s reality is bound up in the life of another, the loss of that person changes everything. She explains the way that our souls can depend on the nurture of another, and when that person dies, it leaves us feeling small, like our very souls have shrunk. This has immense strain on a person’s mental and emotional being. 

d) The speaker describes the way in which those affected by loss have a brief moment of hurtful clarity in which they are able to see and understand just what a valuable soul has been lost. These moments serve as a reminder of the loss of the person. 

3. Answer the following questions in 100-120 words. 

a) The poet opens the poem with the metaphor of the falling of great trees. In the literal sense it means when great trees fall the effect is felt for miles. Inanimate objects like rocks shudder. Animals big or small hunker and run for safety. Metaphorically the poet draws a striking comparison between the falling of great trees to the loss of a person making it very symbolic. When a great soul departs, the effects are felt deep and far. Just like the lions hunker, people too react to the loss of life with fear and the pressing need to hide away to safety. The speaker’s use of nature and animals to create the image of the effects of death allows the reader to connect with the feeling through the visual imagery presented. 

b) In these lines the poet explores the theme that life goes on despite a great loss. These lines give a new meaning and purpose to her life. She claims that because this great one existed, she can be better. It even offers great hope to all who have experienced loss. The speaker continues to identify with others who have lost loved ones which creates a sense in the readers that they are not alone. Readers can know that others have felt such grievous pain, and yet have not only healed but been made better by the loss. Even if they will never be the same again, and even if there will always be pain and sadness, there is hope for healing and joy in the midst of great loss.