(content) a paper bed, a paper gown (farming meat animals, discussion of death, MRIs)

[thewilderhen]

I understand where you’re coming from. I think you might be reading this poem as if it has a single thesis. But poems don’t really have theses in this way, they’re more fluid. So yes, although this poem is about rabbits I challenge you to read a bit deeper. Also, just to let you know: this poem is autobiographical. My friend did not die gladly. No 13 year old dies gladly. It’s ok because you didn’t know, but next time please think about your choice of words.

Im very sorry for your loss and wish healing and blessings to you and those involved.

In my defense you may want to advise people that this is a sensitive personal subject for you and perhaps not post it on this particular intensive critique forum and tell people to “have at it.”

I critiqued it as a poem which you asked for. 

Poems can definitely have “themes.” They also use words, sounds, meter to guide readers through ideas and emotions. You can definitely not have a theme and create a landscape for the reader to wander through unguided or you can do both or all sorts of other things.

To me by starting with bunnies wanting to die and then going to an example of a person accepting death it seems your going for this as a central theme. If this isn’t the case great.

Again I enjoyed your poem quite a bit and wish you love, hope and blessings.

May we both think more before we speak, then. If the poem were not autobiographical, I would again remind you: no 13 year old dies gladly. It is possible for me to accept your critique and still take issue with your words, which seem callous. I hope we can put this current unpleasant interaction behind us.