The Beginning

            In the section titled the beginning, I believe that Kaye is showing how he got started in understanding the world. I believe that all artists and poets more specifically see the world in a different way. They understand the intricacies of society and while being hurt by some of those experiences are able to, through their work, relate to so many people because everyone experiences this.

            One of the poems that really stood out to me in this section was Depression. I think that this poem, which is placed almost in the middle, conveys the overarching theme for the beginning. While depression is a strong word, I believe that it related more to the somberness and sadness of these poems. Specifically, I think that this poem shows what Kaye feels as he moves through life not having a group of people. He does not fit into what he believes he should fit into and even people he thought were his friends end up disappointing him. It is because of these disappointments that I think Kaye writes about depression as a friend. A feline who makes him feels safe but also keeps him down and makes him feel like he cannot do anything.

            I have been in this situation a couple times. I have not had friends and especially being a transfer student, I really have not found a group of people on campus. I have felt the warmth of that feline, however, reading this poem make me realize that I am not the only one. It makes me apricate those that I do have.