Kevin Halligan's poem, "After," is an exploration of grief and loss. The poem begins with the speaker observing the aftermath of a devastating storm, comparing the destruction to the emotional devastation caused by the death of a loved one.
One of the strengths of the poem is its use of imagery to convey the intensity of the grief and loss. Halligan uses metaphorical language to describe the storm as a "tidal wave of sorrow" that "crushes" the speaker's "heart" and "washes away" their "dreams." The use of personification also adds to the emotional impact of the poem, as the speaker describes the storm as having "teeth that bite" and "claws that scratch."
Another notable feature of the poem is the use of repetition to emphasize the ongoing and relentless nature of the speaker's grief. The phrase "after the storm" is repeated throughout the poem, creating a sense of circularity and suggesting that the speaker is trapped in a cycle of pain. This repetition also contributes to the poem's rhythm, creating a sense of urgency and emotional intensity.
However, some readers may find the poem's reliance on metaphor and symbolism to be excessive, as it can make it difficult to grasp the emotional depth of the speaker's experience. Additionally, the poem could have benefited from more development and exploration of the specific emotions and memories associated with the loss.
Overall, "After" is a well-crafted poem that effectively conveys the overwhelming emotions of grief and loss through vivid imagery and repetitive language. While it may require some effort from the reader to fully engage with the metaphorical language, the poem ultimately offers a poignant exploration of the profound impact of loss.