Chrizna Jane Milanes
Ms. Ha
Puente English 2, Period 6
26 August 2016
“XX’ Poem
In the poem, “XX,” written by Jimmy Santiago Baca, the speaker uses some Spanish phrases to get through the readers. In Spanish, “La Muerte,” means death and in the poem death is approaching the, “viejos.” It also describes the importance and significance of their elderly neighborhood. The speaker talks about them with respect, because they are in an, “army,” preparing for a war. Sometimes he also speaks of La Muerte as a human being coming for them.
Meanwhile, viejos are the elderly citizens who have endured poverty and the harsh realities of war. I know this, because in the poem it states, “These are the viejos who endured poverty and learned to do with what they had.” La Muerte is illustrated in the poem as a person or thing of high power, one who could take away everything in just an instant. The viejos deserve respect, because they have also survived the hard days. I believe this, because the speaker says they, “survived kill-dem-meskin days.” I also think, “meskin days,” is referring to the times of war that they have or is participating in.
The poet’s message in the poem, “XX,” is those who have struggled are also allowed to have peaceful deaths. Especially those who have, “learned to do with what they had.” Shouldn’t the real question be, have viejos earned a peaceful death? In the poem the speaker describes death coming for them calmly, “that slowly numbs them.” As the viejos prepare for death to arrive, they describe it elegantly. I know they are dying peacefully, because, “numb,” is telling the reader they are dying but with feeling no pain.
Keeping a smile on your face throughout the difficult times, is what i believe what the poet is trying to make us readers to think about. The poet states, “ retained their humor for a good joke.” This means, knowing when to be serious is a major key. I also think the viejos are counting their blessings, because, “they pull their rosaries out and put away their pictures of women in bathing suits, they sign their names to church donor journals.” The viejos are very disciplined people, because they put away what distracts them, so they are able to give their full attention to whatever or whoever.
Overall, the poem, “XX,” revolves around death. The viejos are important people who should be honored after their deaths. The viejos are also veterans from an army, which gives them more of a reason to be honored and respected. The poet foretells the viejos’ neighborhood with positive comments, such as, “ made a rich dream land.” This shows the impact they have made for their community.
Ms. Ha
Puente English 2, Period 6
26 August 2016
“XX’ Poem
In the poem, “XX,” written by Jimmy Santiago Baca, the speaker uses some Spanish phrases to get through the readers. In Spanish, “La Muerte,” means death and in the poem death is approaching the, “viejos.” It also describes the importance and significance of their elderly neighborhood. The speaker talks about them with respect, because they are in an, “army,” preparing for a war. Sometimes he also speaks of La Muerte as a human being coming for them.
Meanwhile, viejos are the elderly citizens who have endured poverty and the harsh realities of war. I know this, because in the poem it states, “These are the viejos who endured poverty and learned to do with what they had.” La Muerte is illustrated in the poem as a person or thing of high power, one who could take away everything in just an instant. The viejos deserve respect, because they have also survived the hard days. I believe this, because the speaker says they, “survived kill-dem-meskin days.” I also think, “meskin days,” is referring to the times of war that they have or is participating in.
The poet’s message in the poem, “XX,” is those who have struggled are also allowed to have peaceful deaths. Especially those who have, “learned to do with what they had.” Shouldn’t the real question be, have viejos earned a peaceful death? In the poem the speaker describes death coming for them calmly, “that slowly numbs them.” As the viejos prepare for death to arrive, they describe it elegantly. I know they are dying peacefully, because, “numb,” is telling the reader they are dying but with feeling no pain.
Keeping a smile on your face throughout the difficult times, is what i believe what the poet is trying to make us readers to think about. The poet states, “ retained their humor for a good joke.” This means, knowing when to be serious is a major key. I also think the viejos are counting their blessings, because, “they pull their rosaries out and put away their pictures of women in bathing suits, they sign their names to church donor journals.” The viejos are very disciplined people, because they put away what distracts them, so they are able to give their full attention to whatever or whoever.
Overall, the poem, “XX,” revolves around death. The viejos are important people who should be honored after their deaths. The viejos are also veterans from an army, which gives them more of a reason to be honored and respected. The poet foretells the viejos’ neighborhood with positive comments, such as, “ made a rich dream land.” This shows the impact they have made for their community.