After the Attack

This poem begins with the image of a sick boy sitting in a hospital with a painting at his back. The bulk of the poem is about the painting, and the imagery is more vivid and detailed here than when describing the man. This emphasizes the importance of the painting. The painting represents how the sick boy feels about dying. The painting is described as extremely peaceful and serene "even though the wheat is a golden storm". This suggests that even though the boy is at peace with his fate, he is still a little frightened. I don't think he's afraid of being dead, but more the process of dying. The author also describes a man in the painting, whose face we cannot see because it is in shadow. This man represent the traditional "grim reaper" figure, or the person who brings people into the afterlife. But the imagery used to describe the man shows that the sick boy is not afraid of him. The major part of the poem (sort of like a climax) is about the painting opening up and expanding to envelop the sick boy. This suggests that he is moving ever nearer to death, but again the sense of peace makes it seem more like a welcome. Ending with "He comes nearer" is ambiguous because it could either mean the sick boy comes nearer or the man in the picture does. I believe it refers to both. The boy has come closer to death and, as a result of this, the man has come closer so he can escort the boy into the afterlife. I think this poem is written from the perspective of the sick boy, and the tone of peacefulness makes it seem as though he's not afraid of death.