Poetry Analysis

Ellen Bass's poem "The Thing Is" explores the resilience required to continue loving life despite overwhelming grief. The poem opens with the challenge of loving life even when it feels unbearable, as everything cherished seems to disintegrate "like burnt paper." This image of destruction is visceral, emphasizing the fragility of what we hold dear. The poem vividly describes grief as a physical presence, "thickening the air" and weighing down the speaker, evoking a sense of suffocation and heaviness.

The metaphor of grief as an "obesity" suggests an overwhelming burden, one that feels almost impossible to carry. The speaker questions how a body can endure such weight, highlighting the profound impact of loss. Yet, in a moment of resolve, the speaker chooses to embrace life, depicted as a plain face held between their palms. This act of acceptance, despite life's lack of charm or beauty, signifies a commitment to continue loving and living.

The emotional arc of the poem moves from despair to acceptance. Initially, the speaker is overwhelmed by grief, but through the act of holding and accepting life, they find a way to move forward. The tone shifts from one of despair to quiet determination, suggesting a hard-won resilience.

Bass employs vivid imagery and metaphor to convey the intensity of grief and the strength required to overcome it. The use of tactile and sensory language, such as "thickening the air" and "obesity of grief," creates a powerful emotional impact. The poem's free verse form allows for a natural flow of thought, mirroring the speaker's journey from despair to acceptance.

Ultimately, "The Thing Is" speaks to the universal human experience of loss and the courage needed to embrace life despite its challenges. It reflects Bass's broader themes of healing and resilience, encouraging readers to find strength in vulnerability and to continue loving life, even in its most difficult moments.