Mementos, 1 by W.D. Snodgrass
This poem was written from the poet’s own perspective. He was writing about sorting through letters and finding a picture of someone who meant a lot to him. He described this person as “Just as you stood – shy, delicate, slender. In that long gown of green lace netting and daisies” (lines 2-3). The poet describes this picture as what they wore on their first dance. The poet describes the person as a stunning individual.
This poem also talks about topics that are considered private and unfit conversation for outside the home (Burrow). In the late 1950s-60s the topic of divorce was typically private because it was uncommon and there was a societal stigma attached to it. This poem also includes the deep emotions of the author longing for their past lover.
Autumn Variations by W.D. Snodgrass
This poem uses vivid imagery including a bird that was on the lawn. Figurative language is used to describe the bird turning its back to the author. Which wants the reader to understand that friends will do the same. The poem explains how we should be grateful for the birds in the summer because once the weather changes they will be gone.
The poet explains that the “Woodchuck and rabbit sink into themselves” (line 12-13) meaning that they are shy to make their own ideas known and express themselves. The birds that stay represent individuals that have endured hard times and are non-longer lively. The birds show that people give up on their individuality and their distinct voice to fit in. This poem could be based on the poet’s loss of his daughter amidst his divorce.
As a Child, Sleepless by W.D. Snodgrass
The title of the poem shows that the child is innocent and is experiencing insomnia. “The ‘possum under the owl’s claw” (line 1) shows prey and suffering something that Snodgrass might have experienced while serving in the “US Navy in World War II” (Poetry Foundation). “Vice tight each muscle lest the pent tendon spasm, twitch” (line 7-8) is a note to self that if they flinch you will be seen. The fear of being perceived is based on the author’s personal struggles and their body becomes a prison. This poem may be based on the poet’s anxiety.
Works Cited
Burrow, Christopher. “The Poetry of I: Crash Course on Confessional Poetry.” American Writers Museum, 16 Mar. 2016, americanwritersmuseum.org. Accessed 21 Sept. 2025.
Snodgrass, W. “As a Child, Sleepless.” Poetry Foundation, 2025, https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poetrymagazine/browse?volume=157&issue=2&page=9. Accessed 21 Sept. 2025.
Snodgrass, W. “Autumn Variations.” Poetry Foundation, 2025, https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poetrymagazine/browse?volume=157&issue=2&page=5. Accessed 21 Sept. 2025.
“W.D. Snodgrass.” Poetry Foundation, 2025, https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/w-d-snodgrass. Accessed 21 Sept. 2025.
Snodgrass, W. “Mementos, 1.” Poetry Foundation, 2025, www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/42795/mementos-1. Accessed 21 Sept. 2025.