Atwood "Up"

In this poem by Atwood, starts in a similar manner as did Alvarez in “Dusting”. Atwood opens up this poem by also conveying a situation that her readers will likely be able to imagine themselves in that or a similar situation. In doing this Atwood immediately grabbed my attention. As I also do, she is taking the mood she is experiencing, and tries to persuade herself through words to move, emotionally, and physically. As the reader I interpreted Atwood’s wording to see which scenario that she is presenting to the reader really “hits home” for you. By doing this lyrically, she is engaging, me, the reader.
In the poem she writes, “ You’re lying in your deathbed, …Who is it, exactly, that you have needed all of these years to forgive”. This sentence not only shows poignancy in its direct and clear statement, but it really gets you, as the reader, to think. Think about your life and see if there is anyone that you need to forgive, or thank. Through this poignant statement, she also conveys wisdom. Thinking deeper into her statement, as I pondered in my head if there is anyone that I have neglected or need to thank or forgive, I realize that tomorrow is not promised, it is not a given. Through this poem she is able to convey her sense of wisdom by saying don’t wait, or sulk around, today is a gift and tomorrow is only still a dream. This, to me, is where the title comes in; “Up”.