Maya Garaway Week 9: “Eclipse” by C. Dale Young

     This poem deals with emotions of reflection, regret, and frustration. For context, C. Dale Young experienced a terrible car accident which he writes about during his book “The Halo.” He reflects upon this incident while incorporating religious/mythological themes. 

This poem is towards the beginning of his reflection. He recognizes that he has now obtained the skills and knowledge required to reflect and fully understand this event. A key symbol throughout this poem, book, and some of his work in general is the use of wings. He illustrates himself growing these feathery wings in moments of weakness/vulnerability. It was previously used in “An Ordinary Boy” and “The Gods Among Us” as a sign of being different and not fitting in because of his sexuality when he was a teenager. However, in this poem, the use of both wings and halos are seen. These are used to exemplify the vulnerability of a position he is in, the lack of control he has over himself, and almost to defy the original stories of the mythological gods. Consistently in his stories, he shows the gods as cruel beings instead of helpful. 

A line that stuck out to me was “Admit it, I am not alone: things beg for significance.

Would that we always had time to come back to them…” This line was powerful to me because he is able to show the impact that this accident had on him and how even though he would rather leave it in his past, it always comes back. It is also complementary to the first line which also uses the words “Admit it.” I like the way the poem goes full circle with that. The first line also shows that he has more knowledge and understanding that can be used to decipher the significance of this event which can also create a circle of reflection upon it. The poem cycles as well as this event.