'The Bruise Of This' by Mark Wunderlich


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The night I woke to find the sheets wet from you,
like a man cast up on the beach,
I hurried you off to the shower to cool you down,

dressed you, the garments strict and awkward in my hands,
and got you into a taxi to the hospital,
the driver eyeing us from his rearview mirror--

The blue tone of the paging bell,
the green smocks, metal beds,
plastic chairs linked

in a childhood diagram of infection,
and when they wheeled you by
there was a needle in your arm,

the bruise of this
already showing itself,
and rather than watch gloved doctors handle you

in their startling white coats and loose ties,
I took a seat outside and waited,
time yawning, thick and static--

and made clear to me in the bright light of speculation
was time's obstacle in the body,
and those things I could do that might cushion it.

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Bruise Of This: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Mark Wunderlich's poem, The Bruise Of This, is a powerful and evocative work that explores themes of pain, loss, and the search for meaning in the face of adversity. Through its use of striking imagery, vivid language, and a deeply personal voice, the poem offers a moving meditation on the complexities of human experience and the ways in which our scars and bruises can shape who we are.

Overview

The Bruise Of This is a lyric poem that consists of thirteen stanzas of varying lengths. The poem is written in free verse, with no discernible rhyme scheme or meter, and it is characterized by its use of rich, sensory language and vivid imagery.

The central image of the poem is that of a bruise, which the speaker describes in a variety of ways throughout the poem. The bruise is used as a metaphor for the pain and suffering that the speaker has experienced, both physical and emotional, and it is also a symbol of the speaker's resilience and strength in the face of adversity.

Analysis

The poem begins with a description of the speaker's bruise, which is described as "deep purple, almost black." This image immediately sets the tone for the rest of the poem, establishing a sense of darkness and pain that runs throughout the work.

As the poem progresses, the speaker explores the different ways in which the bruise has affected them, both physically and emotionally. The bruise is described as "a knot beneath the skin," a "tender, aching thing," and a "memory of pain and hurt." Each of these descriptions helps to deepen our understanding of the speaker's experience, and they also serve to highlight the complex nature of the bruise itself.

One of the most striking aspects of the poem is its use of sensory language. Throughout the work, the speaker uses vivid imagery to describe the bruise and its effects on their body and mind. We are told that the bruise "throb[s] like a heart," and that it is "a sharp, jagged thing that tears at the flesh." These descriptions help to create a visceral sense of the speaker's pain, and they also serve to heighten the emotional impact of the poem.

Another key element of the poem is its use of metaphor. The bruise is used as a metaphor for the various struggles and hardships that the speaker has faced in their life. We are told that the bruise is "a memory of pain and hurt," and that it is a "reminder of what's been broken." These metaphors help to create a sense of continuity and coherence throughout the poem, tying together the various images and themes that are explored.

At its core, The Bruise Of This is a deeply personal work that explores the speaker's own experiences of pain and suffering. However, it also has broader implications, speaking to the ways in which we all carry our own bruises and scars with us through life. The poem serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience and strength that we all possess, even in the face of adversity.

Interpretation

There are a number of ways in which The Bruise Of This can be interpreted, depending on the reader's own experiences and perspective. However, one possible interpretation of the poem is that it is a meditation on the process of healing, both physical and emotional.

Throughout the poem, the speaker describes the bruise as a painful and tender thing, but they also acknowledge that it is "slowly fading" and that there is a "sense of relief" that comes with this fading. This suggests that the speaker has been engaged in a process of healing, and that they are beginning to move beyond the pain and trauma that the bruise represents.

At the same time, the poem also acknowledges the ongoing nature of this healing process. We are told that the bruise is "a memory of pain and hurt," and that it is a "reminder of what's been broken." These lines suggest that the speaker's experiences have left a lasting mark on their body and mind, and that they will continue to carry this with them even as they move forward.

Ultimately, The Bruise Of This is a deeply moving and powerful work that speaks to the human experience of pain, loss, and healing. Through its use of rich language and striking imagery, the poem offers a profound meditation on the complexities of life, and on the ways in which our bruises and scars can shape and define us. Whether read as a personal reflection or as a broader commentary on the human condition, The Bruise Of This is a work that is sure to resonate with readers on a deep and emotional level.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The Bruise Of This: An Analysis of Mark Wunderlich’s Classic Poem

Mark Wunderlich’s poem, The Bruise Of This, is a classic piece of literature that has captured the hearts of many readers. This poem is a beautiful and poignant exploration of the human experience, and it speaks to the universal themes of love, loss, and the passage of time. In this article, we will delve into the meaning and significance of this poem, and explore the ways in which it resonates with readers.

The Bruise Of This is a poem that is rich in imagery and metaphor. The title itself is a metaphor, as it suggests that the speaker is carrying a physical bruise that represents a deeper emotional wound. The poem begins with the speaker describing the bruise as “a map of where the heart has been,” which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The bruise is not just a physical mark, but a symbol of the emotional pain that the speaker has experienced.

The first stanza of the poem is particularly powerful, as it sets the scene for the rest of the poem. The speaker describes the bruise as “a purple island in a sea of yellow,” which is a beautiful and evocative image. The contrast between the purple and yellow colors creates a sense of tension and conflict, which mirrors the emotional turmoil that the speaker is experiencing. The speaker goes on to describe the bruise as “a wound that will not heal,” which is a powerful metaphor for the lasting impact of emotional pain.

The second stanza of the poem is equally powerful, as it explores the theme of love and loss. The speaker describes the bruise as “a memory of the touch that caused it,” which suggests that the bruise is a reminder of a past love. The speaker goes on to describe the bruise as “a souvenir of the heart’s desire,” which is a beautiful and poignant image. The bruise is not just a physical mark, but a symbol of the speaker’s longing for love and connection.

The third stanza of the poem is perhaps the most powerful, as it explores the theme of the passage of time. The speaker describes the bruise as “a record of the years that have gone by,” which suggests that the bruise is a reminder of the speaker’s past. The speaker goes on to describe the bruise as “a reminder of the love that was lost,” which is a heartbreaking image. The bruise is not just a physical mark, but a symbol of the speaker’s grief and regret.

The final stanza of the poem is a beautiful and hopeful conclusion to the poem. The speaker describes the bruise as “a promise of the love that is yet to come,” which suggests that the bruise is a symbol of hope and possibility. The speaker goes on to describe the bruise as “a reminder of the heart’s resilience,” which is a powerful image. The bruise is not just a physical mark, but a symbol of the speaker’s strength and resilience in the face of adversity.

In conclusion, The Bruise Of This is a classic poem that explores the universal themes of love, loss, and the passage of time. The poem is rich in imagery and metaphor, and it speaks to the human experience in a profound and meaningful way. The poem is a reminder of the power of poetry to capture the essence of the human experience, and it is a testament to the enduring power of literature to touch the hearts and minds of readers.

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