Bullish outcomes bears work

Afloat with members of the mercantile 

On the dips and peaks 

I lash, trade, fight the bull and bear

Lose my pennies, pounds, and win some too

I live for the risks

Brought by uncertainities, randomness

And I seek no refuge, I face the mornings

And nights, too, cold, some bitter, some gentle

You hate me, I understand

I hate me too, I play this game of slides

A thought not spared for your gripes

I float

Again

Amongst the members of the mercantile.

## Analysis of "Bullish outcomes, bears and at work"

**Themes:**

* **Financial speculation:** The poem centers around the speaker's life as a trader, navigating market fluctuations and taking risks. 

* **Isolation and self-loathing:** Despite the adrenaline rush of the "game," the speaker expresses a sense of alienation and internal conflict.

* **Addiction and repetition:** The cyclical nature of trading ("afloat... Again... Amongst") and the constant striving for "bullish outcomes" suggest a potentially unhealthy obsession.

**Techniques:**

* **Metaphor:** The market is personified as bulls and bears, creating a dynamic and almost predatory environment.

* **Repetition:** Words like "float" and "members of the mercantile" are repeated, emphasizing the speaker's immersion in the financial world.

* **Juxtaposition:** Contrasting images like "dips and peaks" and "cold, some bitter, some gentle" add complexity and nuance to the emotional atmosphere.

**Strengths:**

* **Vivid imagery:** The poem effectively captures the volatility and intensity of the trading world through descriptive language.

* **Emotional honesty:** The speaker's self-awareness and self-criticism add depth and complexity to the character.

* **Conciseness:** The poem packs a lot of meaning into a short space, leaving room for interpretation.

**Criticisms:**

* **Limited scope:** The poem focuses primarily on the speaker's internal world and offers little insight into the broader context of financial markets or their impact on society.

* **Potential for oversimplification:** The portrayal of the financial world as a zero-sum game between bulls and bears could be seen as lacking in nuance.

* **Abrupt ending:** The poem's conclusion may leave readers wanting more closure or resolution.

**Overall:**

"Bullish outcomes, bears and at work" is a thought-provoking poem that captures the intense and isolating world of financial speculation. While it could benefit from greater context and exploration, its evocative imagery and emotional honesty make it a noteworthy piece.

An Absurdity follows me

The image was ghastly, 

in shades of red

Mimi lay face down, 

most of her was embedded

It seemed like oil on canvas

This flesh on asphalt

The car had scooted to a stop

A leg stuck to the fender

Comical, yet gory her time was up

She held my hand

Her uppers seemed just fine

She asked if her dress looked ok

I nodded, and she knew I was lying

She smirked, rubbing my cheeks

I wasn't crying, but the driver was

I held her for a moment, of forever

A soul that exists, is no more now

And this moment will pass too

And I will too soon forget, Mimi

Come Monday, and all will be fine

I waited for her to leave, I knew 

For this is not something to walk off

I have seen this earlier, it's nothing new

So she died, after minutes like eons

I cleaned up my clothes,and showered

Her remains gone, left to memory

I brushed my hair, wore my suit

Went back to work, since Mimi was gone.

## Analysis and Critique of "An Absurdity follows me"

**Theme and Tone:**

The poem grapples with death and grief in a surprisingly detached and ironic manner. The speaker witnesses a gruesome accident, yet their response is a mix of resignation, dark humor, and a disquieting awareness of life's fleeting nature. This creates a jarring tension between the horrific event and the protagonist's almost clinical observation.

**Imagery and Symbolism:**

The imagery is vivid and unsettling, contrasting the vibrant "shades of red" of Mimi's blood with the mundane details of the scene: the car, the asphalt, the suit. The comparison of Mimi's body to oil on canvas heightens the surrealism, blurring the lines between life and art, victim and object. The leg stuck to the fender is a particularly impactful symbol of violence and violation.

**Structure and Form:**

The free verse structure mirrors the fragmented nature of the speaker's emotions. Short, punchy lines emphasize the shock and immediacy of the situation, while longer lines delve into introspective thoughts about loss and memory. The lack of rhyme scheme further contributes to the sense of disconnect and emotional numbness.

**Strengths:**

* The poem's originality lies in its unexpected approach to a morbid subject. The dark humor and ironic detachment offer a unique perspective on grief and the absurdity of life and death.

* The vivid imagery and stark contrasts bring the scene to life, forcing the reader to confront the reality of the situation.

* The poem raises interesting questions about memory, emotional processing, and the human capacity to move on from trauma.

**Weaknesses:**

* The speaker's emotional detachment might alienate some readers, making it difficult to empathize with their experience of grief.

* The poem's focus on the grotesque details of the accident could be considered gratuitous for some.

* The ending feels somewhat abrupt, leaving the reader with a sense of unresolved tension and unanswered questions.

**Overall:**

"An Absurdity follows me" is a thought-provoking and disturbing poem that challenges traditional expectations of grief and mourning. Its blend of realism and dark humor creates a unique atmosphere that lingers long after the last line. While not for everyone, the poem's raw honesty and originality make it a powerful exploration of life, death, and the human condition.

**Additional points to consider:**

* Is the speaker's emotional detachment a defense mechanism, or a genuine lack of feeling?

* What does the poem say about our society's relationship with death and violence?

* How does the poem's title contribute to its overall meaning?

I hope this analysis helps you delve deeper into the poem and appreciate its complexities.