I chose this poem for this chapter mostly because of its importance to the author and its political significance. Hirshfield's words, "What is considered worth remembering becomes what is considered important... the personal is political," stuck with me and really fit with the message of this poem. It's an interesting fit because the speaker is detailing the importance of memory by describing the loss of their heritage and native lands. His attempt at transcribing the history is also offering us a moral about the importance of remembrance. Infusing a moral with history is very engaging and in accordance with the ancient Greek traditions of poetry that Hirshfield describes in this chapter.
I think this is a very "mnemonic" poem--almost entirely naming. I wonder how a more chaotic/oral force is at play in this poem, or how it could be at play. What would Hermes say/sing?
I thought this poem was a great choice. the historical significance is strong and evident within this poem.
I think that this was a fantastic choice. It really captured the essence of the chapter. I particularly enjoyed how the beginning of the poem tied with the end, and how the speaker is attempted to convey hundreds of years of oppression and violence in only few lines. I think this really speaks to the power of the poem and Hirschfield's discussion in the written word.
I enjoy how you directed this poem! I really do feel like this poem was a great example because the "personal is political" and history is attached to it. The cultural genocide of indigenous people is something people do not forget. Thank you for sharing this poem with us.