The Last Days of William Short essays

The Last Days of William Short essays I choose the poem: "from The Last Days of William Short." This, in my opinion is a moving work that casts the thoughts and feelings of a dying man. The poem makes me realize that there is a lot of pain, suffering and mixed thoughts when death approaches. This experience is strange to me, so I cannot trully imagine what it feels like to die (and hopefully wont know for a while). Nevertheless, the author is very successful in making me begin to understand what a dying man faces. The fact that this man is dying of AIDS doesnt appear important in the poem. It could just as well be another disease such as cancer, or even old age. The lyrics make me realize that it doesnt really matter how you die, as long as you know that you are going to die. The concept presented in the poem is trully heartbreaking: the last thoughts and feelings of a dying man. He secludes himself from the world, in the beginning: To keep my pains shaded, to divert the curious eyes. Nevertheless, as he feels death closer his cry becomes so loud: I want you to know that I have been here, I want you to remember me. It is something we all wish: to be remembered. A person dying alone is the worst thing that could happen. If nobody remembers and cries for you that your life has been in vain. At the end of our lives, what else could we desire? If people remember you then your place in eternity is set. If nobody remembers, then you will just fade away. The dying man in the poem longs so dearly for compassion: have someone close my eyes, gently. The use of the word gently, has such a powerful effect. It makes me realize the pain that this man has gone through and the relief he expects to get after death; and he cannot get that relief if nobody cares for him at the moment of his passing. ...