love or lack there of

William Carlos Williams’ “This is Just to Say,” E.E. Cummings’ “l(a,” and Louisa Erdich’s “Love Medicine” have many common themes but they all slightly vary. “This is Just to Say” expresses what seems to be love, but abandonment (maybe an affair) at the same time. Also, there is a sense of forgiveness in this poem. “l(a” presents the idea of loneliness by basically “showing” a leaf falling away from a tree. “Love Medicine” is a story of love, but also abandonment and mystery. Generally speaking, all three of these poems express love, or lack there of. Moreover, all of these works seem to be written to allow the reader to do some of their own interpretation.
“This is Just to Say” is a poem that seems to depict a couple’s (most likely married since they are sharing an ice box) relationship. This partner seems to be eating his/hers plums, yet expects almost instant forgiveness. This is emphasized when the word “Forgive” is the only word in the poem that starts with a capital letter. Moreover, the tone of this poem is that this spouse wants forgiveness, but does not seem to be that apologetic. If someone is really sorry about eating someone else’s plum, he does not talk about how wonderful the plum was. This spouse seems to think that he can get away with whatever, and the other spouse will just forgive him. This gives the reader the feeling that maybe there is some symbolism underlying these plums – perhaps the spouse is cheating, but knows that his partner will quickly forgive him no matter. Moreover, I think this poem really is written so that the reader can interpret it as he sees fit. This poem is not particularly detailed or really goes in any certain direction. I think this poem reflects on love, but can also be interpreted as this spouse taking advantage of his wife’s love for him.
“l(a” is a unique poem that is written very originally. Some variation or another, this poem is read as “a leaf falls on loneliness.” A picture can be painted in the reader’s mind: during the fall, all the leaves begin to die, and the one leaf can fall and lie on the ground by itself. This poem is most likely expressing the way Cummings is feeling, which is loneliness. This can be assumed because this poem is classified as a lyric, which is defined as a poem that expresses personal feelings. This poem is simple, yet projects this feeling of loneliness. While thinking about the other works, perhaps Cummings is feeling lonely because of the absence of love in his life. However, also like the other works, I think this poem is written to be open for interpretation. I think Cummings wanted the reader to think after reading this poem more than once.
“Love Medicine” is also a story about love, or perhaps lack there of. The love seems to be diminished from the central relationship of the story. Grandma Kashpaw’s husband (Grandpa) is loosing his mind, but in the process cheating on his wife with a woman named Lamartine. In turn, Grandma Kashpaw conveys this feeling of loneliness and jealousy. This reflects on both “This is Just to Say” and “l(a’s” ideas of loneliness and abandonment. Also, relating the theme of forgiveness shown in “This is Just to Say”, Grandma Kashpaw forgives her husband, even though she knows he is cheating on her. Moreover, Grandma Kashpaw is so envious that her grandson, Lipsha, attempts to make a medicine to help their relationship. This is where the interpretation from the reader is required – what is this medicine? And what is this “touch” that the narrator seems to have? Furthermore, at the end of the story the deceased Grandpa seems to be returning to Grandma Kashpaw. The question of why runs through the reader’s mind. This man cheated on his wife and showed no gratitude in the marriage, yet Lipsha says his Grandpa comes back because he loves his wife so much. I think this is also a place in the story that is written for interpretation of the reader.