Janice Mirikitani Suicide Note Summary

In “Suicide Note”, Janice Mirikitani uses an apologetic voice to express the young woman's struggle with the unreachable standards bestowed on herself. She begins the poem with a direct apology to her parents. She feels that no matter how much work she does, it will never be enough to satisfy her family. The repetition of “not good enough, not pretty enough, not smart enough” emphasizes the loss of dignity. If she was a boy life would be so much easier. She could show her talents through work, instead of through grades. The expectation begin to take a toll on her identity. She writes, “Each failure, a glacier.” This illustrates the forceful impacts that will eventually lead to her death. As she stands on the ledge she compares herself to

a sparrow. A sparrow with wings that can fly to freedom. This poem present the message of impact. Every action,every word spoken causes an impact in some way. Sometimes that impact can change someone's life forever.

In “ The Gift”, Li-Young Lee uses a nostalgic voice to illustrate the memories he had of his father. He remembers the tenderous of his father while removing a splinter, the splinter “I thought I’d die from.” The calming voice of his father sends a burst of comfort throughout his body. In this moment he is grateful his father's kindness and love. He is now able to reciprocate this love for his wife. He write, “so carefully she feels no pain.” He takes the splinter out just like her remembered his father did. The gift of the memories helps him appreciate his life in this moment. Throughout life you learn important lessons from those around you. These lessons will eventually shape you into the man or women you become.