Critical 5

Because Terrance Hayes uses descriptive language in his poems, he provokes emotion and imagery in his readers. First, in "Fish Head for Katrina," the Hayes uses emotional language. This poem, I believe, was about Hurricane Katrina and how it specifically affected New Orleans. The poem especially has a somber tone to it, which is shown in the line, "the mouth is where the dead who are not dead do not dream." This just reminds me of sadness. I believe this line meant that there were many people found dead due to the hurricane. Since they're dead, they cannot dream. These people's dreams are destroyed, because they're already dead and have no chance to get to safety. I could also see the "mouth" as the mouth of a fish. The mouths could be gaped open on the dead. (people) The mouth could also refer to the actual hurricane. For example, the line, "the mouth is a flooded machine" seems metaphorical. The mouth is a metaphor for Hurricane Katrina and literally, it could mean Hurricane Katrina flooded New Orleans, destroyed it, and caused major damage. The hurricane is like a "machine" which has no feeling and is destructive. Hayes uses metaphors in his poems and they're shown in this one. Another emotion in this poem, shown by Hayes' language, is despair. The line, "A choir singing in the rain like fish" is a cry in despair. Symbolically, I saw this line as the fish representing people and the rain was the flooded waters causing them harm. The people in trouble are shouting (singing) for help which hasn't arrived, so they struggle to survive. In "Lighthead's Guide to the Galaxy," Hayes language evokes imagery. The word alone, "lighthead" reminded me of someone whose mind isn't grounded. Hayes is a realistic person and Lighthead is his alter-ego who has his own imagination for escape. I saw this poem as someone, other than Hayes himself, in an alternate world or reality. Lighthead is a sexual charatcter, because he says, "I believe everything is a metaphor for sex." I think that is apparent in the line, "moonlight juicing naked branches." Naked is a vulnerable world and juicing is a particular verb not typically seen in serious poetry. I viewed the moonlight juicing these branches as a sexual act, with the moonlight being a dominant force. That line, as well as the line, "moonlight drips from the leaves" is provocative and very descriptive. I can vividly see the essence of moonlight slowly falling from the leaves. These phrases are metaphors for sex. Lighthead seems to be a playful character who likes to explore his surroundings, or the world in general. He is a dreamer and I found this poem to be an introduction to the obscure, creative poems that were to come. Therefore, Hayes' language in his poetry is imaginative and emotional. I believe he leaves his poems up for interpretation. Some poems are about certain events, others may have no meaning whatsoever and are silly. They're poetry simply for fun and appeal to a variety of audiences to enjoy.