When my nature poem is interpreted as a political poem, I was at first quite bewildered. Maybe the metaphors were too elliptical–sparse and ambiguous–leading the reader down a path that is the farthest thing from my intention. When at last I see my friend’s point of view, I quite agree with his logic. It proves that circumstantial evidence can convict the innocent.
Fair or not, whenever a poem is read it stands naked in the spotlight to be judged. It will be examined from different angles and the readers will carry away the pieces that suit them. But for this particular poem, I’m taking it back to the dressing room and giving it a different outfit.
