Analysis of the poem "In the Hospital"

何威廉

Analysis of the poem "In the Hospital"

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At the Hospital

By William He

Hibiscus arrayed in their faded corolla running to sentiment,

The anguished sick souls walk the corridor of hope and pain.

Blood drops robots scrubbed are starching into blue wrinkles,

The incubus is loaned by the void flounces and about to fall.

After elastic strings and apparitions a thrilling of fear rushes,

For the diagnosis malpractice no evidence to betray in there.

In dealing with suffering patient is just a bogy with no name,

In the red mansion where creeps the dull hours leaden-shod.

"In the Hospital" by William He is a moving poem that captures the anxiety and uncertainty that one feels when confronted with illness and pain. Through its carefully crafted imagery and powerful language, the poem exposes the harsh reality of hospital life and the human experience of suffering.

The opening line, "Hibiscus arrayed in their faded corolla running to sentiment" immediately creates an atmosphere of sadness and nostalgia. The image of the wilting hibiscus flowers suggests a loss of vitality and a sense of decay that mirrors the physical state of the patients that occupy the hospital.

The following line, "The anguished sick souls walk the corridor of hope and pain" further drives home the sense of despair and anguish that permeates the hospital environment. The juxtaposition of hope and pain highlights the conflicting emotions that one feels when faced with the possibility of recovery or deterioration.

The lines "Blood drops robots scrubbed are starching into blue wrinkles, The incubus is loaned by the void flounces and about to fall" create a vivid image of a clinical and sterile space that is not able to fully contain the inherent messiness and unpredictability of illness. The use of the word "incubus" suggests a sense of pressure and burden that is weighing down the patients, and the "void flounces" imply a lack of support and care from the hospital system.

The phrase "After elastic strings and apparitions a thrilling of fear rushes" suggests a sense of disorientation and confusion that one feels when interacting with the hospital system. The lack of communication and transparency often leads to a sense of anxiety and fear, as patients grapple with the unknown.

The lines "For the diagnosis malpractice no evidence to betray in there. In dealing with suffering patient is just a bogy with no name" further emphasize the inadequacies of the healthcare system. Patients often feel neglected and dehumanized, reduced to mere objects to be diagnosed and treated. The issue of malpractice is also hinted at, suggesting a system that is not always trustworthy and reliable.

Finally, the last line of the poem "In the red mansion where creeps the dull hours leaden-shod" conveys a sense of hopelessness and resignation. The metaphor of the "red mansion" suggests that hospitals are not only places of healing, but also of incarceration, where patients are trapped and isolated. The "dull hours leaden-shod" imply a sense of stagnation and immobility, suggesting that progress and recovery are often slow and arduous.

In conclusion, "In the Hospital" is a powerful poem that exposes the harsh reality of hospital life and the human experience of suffering. Through its use of vivid and evocative language, the poem captures the sense of anxiety, fear, and despair that one feels when confronted with illness and pain. William He's poem serves as a reminder of the importance of empathy and compassion in the delivery of healthcare, and highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in the healthcare system.