Summary of Poem: BITCH

March 21, 2012

Summary of Poem: “Bitch”

 

Carolyn Kizer www.poetryfoundation.org

This week we had to pick a poem from the list given to us by Dr. X and basically summarize it.  I decided to stick with the poem I chose for my previous entry, Carolyn Kizers’ “Bitch,” which was published in 1984.  This was the only poem that really stuck out to me. 

Here is my paraphrase of the poem:

         

   “Bitch” is describing the persons feelings towards an ex-partner from years ago, that they have just ran into.  This person was very hurt by their ex and has a lot of anger deep inside towards this person but does not want to show it.  The main image is the speaker and the ex running into one another and catching up.  Now, when him and I meet,  after all these years, (line 1) I say to the bitch inside me, dont start growling.(line 2) He isnt a trespasser anymore, (line3) Just an old acquaintance tipping his hat. (line 4) "Give my regards to yout wife," I say. You gag (line 32) As I drag you off by the scruff, (line 33) Saying, "Goodbye! Goodbye! Nice to have seen you again." (line 34)

"Bitch" is the speaker of the poem.   It is actually her thoughts and feelings that are the "Bitch", but it is still her.  If i had to compare this poem to anything, I would have to say it definitely reminds me of the lyrics in the song "Like We Never Loved At All" by Faith Hill and Tim McGraw, which was made famous in 2005.

The main image in this poem is the two ex lovers in conversation, while the speaker is keeping her cool as she thinks about their terrible past together.  The key words could be grouped as:

1. him and I meet, after all these years--means they havent kept in contact
2. bitch inside me, dont start growling--means even though she is still upset about the past she is goin to be nice
3. bark hysterically--means she is becoming more furious deep inside
4. He isnt an enemy now--means she should not be dwelling in the past. He can not hurt her anymore.
5. she slobbers and grovels--means that she is calming down

The tone of this poem is angry and sad.  Like in the song "Like we never loved ate all" in every relationship someone will always get hurt and miss the other person.

In the end I believe the them of this poem is closure. 

Link to YouTube Video on Faith Hill and Tim McGraws "Like We Never Love At All"  http://youtu.be/s7Qob5zr2Bk