In the landscape of poetry today, it feels as if every poem is a failed elegy, questioning the purpose of writing amidst global despair. The act of writing can feel futile, particularly in the context of overwhelming issues like climate change, where poets often find themselves comparing their relevance to that of an oil company, caught in a cycle of lamenting rather than inspiring change.
The poet reflects on personal struggles with the act of writing elegies, mentioning a humorous yet poignant experience of writing one for a broken nail clipper. This illustrates the paradox of creating art that, while noble in intention, sometimes feels trivial or meaningless in the face of larger, existential issues.
In a moment of deep reflection, the poet recalls walking through mist to scatter a friend’s ashes, feeling disconnected and caught up in mundane thoughts. The experience underscores the challenge of grappling with mortality while also longing for the comfort of home and family, highlighting the tension between personal grief and universal themes of loss.
Drawing inspiration from Emily Dickinson, the poet recognizes the power of smallness and simplicity, akin to the little wren which, despite being unremarkable, sings the most beautiful notes. This comparison highlights the poet's struggle with finding significance in their own work, even when it feels overshadowed by larger tragedies.
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