Upgraded to Serious
Heather McHugh presents a fast-paced, verbally dexterous, and brilliantly humorous book. Utilizing medical terminology and iconography to work through loss and detachment, McHugh’s startling rhymes and rhythms — along with her sarcastic self-reflection and infectious laughter — serve as antidotes to the sufferings of the world. Being “upgraded to serious” from critical condition is a nod to the healing powers of poetry.
"Not to Be Dwelled On"
Self-interest cropped up even there,
the day I hoisted three instead
of the ceremonially called-for two
spadefuls of loam
onto the coffin of my friend.
Why shovel more than anybody else?
What did I think I’d prove? More love
(mud in her eye)? More will to work?
(Her father what, a shirker?) Christ,
what wouldn’t anybody give
to get that gesture back?
She cannot die again; and I
do nothing but re-live.
- Author
- Heather McHugh
- Format
- hardcover
- Pages
- 82
- Publisher
- Copper Canyon Press
- Language
- english
- ISBN
- 9781556593062
- Genres
- poetry
- Release date
- 2009
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