That Other Life by Everett M Standa

       THAT OTHER LIFE                   

      I have only faint memories

      Memories of those days when all our joyful moment

      In happiness, sorrow and dreams

      Were so synchronized

      That we were in spirit and flesh

      One soul;

      I have only faint memories

      When we saw each other’s image everywhere;

      The friends, the relatives,

      The gift of flowers, clothes and treats,

      The evening walks where we praised each other,

      Like little children in love;

      I remember the dreams about children

      The friendly neighbors and relatives

      The money, the farms and cows

      All were the pleasures ahead in mind

      Wishing for the day of final union

      When the dreams will come true

      On that day final union

      We promised each other pleasures and care

      And everything good under the sun

      As a daily reminder that you and me were one forever.

Analysis

      The persona is a lover (a Man or a Woman)” The evening walks where we praised each other,--“ Like little children in love;” The day of the final union reminds the persona of joy/peace/ pleasure and care he was promised and promised (the last stanza 4). He/she has faint memories of joyful moments / when they felt like one / when they saw each other’s image everywhere / and loved each other like little children.

      The persona and partner felt happy in spite of happiness or sorrow for both had one hope in life, to be happy and united in purpose. They were innocent about their feelings towards making each other feel loved / flattered. HE/ she hoped for a life of prosperity loaning money / farms / cows.

      The persona seems to regret towards his marriage he feels that they’ve not lived unto the promises they made to each other.

       Aspects of style used in this poem: Simile - ‘we praised...like little children in love’ – This brings out the sense of deep love they had for each

        Repetition – ‘I have only faint memories’ - The repetition emphasizes the persona’s feelings of regret.