She Forgot Poem Analysis

Sholeh Wolpe writes two poems, one in particular is from personal experience where she indicates her feelings about death. However, the other is written from third person point of view where she reveals others’ feelings towards death. Although, the two poems are told from two different points of view, they share similar messages. “I Was Sung into This World” and “She Forgot” use the description of the beds to suggest the difference in attitudes towards death.

How is it that beds connect to death? In many cases, actions regarding sleeping, resting and peace are associated with beds, however, these same actions are also related to death. When death has occurred many people may say things such as: “I laid my loved one to rest”and “rest in peace”. …show more content…
Her aunt sung the song when she welcomed her niece, Sholeh Wolpe at the gate’s of her mother’s womb. Now today, Sholeh Wolpe hopes that her aunt will sing the same song to her when it is time for her to enter the gates of the next world. At the Q&A, Sholeh Wolpe says, “ my aunt was a very special person, I loved her”. Sholeh had close ties to aunt, which is why she stood next to her bed and ask that her aunt sing to her when it was her time to go. The use of either song or dance are present in both poems to welcome those crossing over. Just as the aunt sings to welcome Sholeh Wolpe into the world, angels also dance to welcome the grandmother when it is her time. According to the following quote, “Though angels danced, beckoned: Cross the creek. Her flesh withdrew, shocked by icy cold” represents how the grandmother feared to cross over. Therefore, even when being welcomed by song or dance, some individuals still fear death even when they suggested that they would not. The grandmother rather hold on to being fed and washed daily than approach death where peace is promised and welcoming angels are pleading for her to cross-over. However, according to Sholeh Wolpe, “I will not be afraid, at least I hope not” she says at the Q&A