Ellen West - Bidart

This poem, entitled Ellen West, was completely captivating and poignant overall. Throughout this very long and intricate poem, I analyzed and read the poem as if I was reading someone’s journal. I am commenting on this poem in regards to my psychological side coming into play through her lyrics. Although I have not had an eating disorder, and I may not be able to place myself in her words, I can relate and understand her emotions through her usage of lyrics. There are so many different points in this poem that demonstrates such poignancy that it makes it hard not to felt the emotions that she is sending to her readers. One such example is, “My doctors tell me I must give up this ideal; but I WILL NOT …..cannot”. Those lines are so sharp on her emotions and how intent the speaker is being in her words. Not only does this poem scream with poignancy, but it also holds wisdom. The speaker knows rights from wrongs, and knows which of her actions and engagements are harmful and helpful to her, however, you can see through her usage of lyric life the emotion that prevails off of the page. Her wisdom extends from her actions to the way that she writes this lyrical story. The best way I can depict to you the magnitude that this poem struck me is by saying that throughout Bidart’s writings, even his wisdom is very poignant.