Intro to Poetry

Everything is Going to be Alright

by Derek Mahon

How should I not be glad to contemplate

the clouds clearing beyond the dormer window

and a high tide reflected on the ceiling?

There will be dying, there will be dying,

but there is no need to go into that.

The poems flow from the hand unbidden

and the hidden source is the watchful heart;

the sun rises in spite of everything

and the far cities are beautiful and bright.

I lie here in a riot of sunlight

watching the day break and the clouds flying.

Everything is going to be all right.

What is the significance of the title?

- The title represents the theme of the poem, foreshadows at the overall message of the poem.

What is the tone of the poem?

- The author holds an optimistic and encouraging tone.

What is your mood as you read it?

- The poem gave me a sense of hope and tranquility.

Is there a Shift?  Where?  From what to what?

- One shift can be found after the lines, "There will be dying, there will be dying,

but there is no need to go into that."  The shift occurs from a place of uncertainty to one of conviction in the charm of life.

What is the theme of the poem?

- The theme of the poem is despite the hardships and cruelty that take place in this world, we must learn to observe the beauty around us and find happiness from it.