Reflection on “A Poem of Remembrance”

Posted on March 31st, 2008 by patrickse

“During that summer When unicorns were still possible;” - This is showing the setting of the poem, during the summer when the writer was young.”When the purpose of knees Was to be skinned;” - This is showing that the writer was a playful child just wanting to have fun during their time away from school.”When shiny horse chestnuts(Hallowed out Fitted with straws Crammed with tobacco Stolen from butts In family ashtrays) Were puffed in green lizard silence” - The writer remembers smoking and being sick or “green”, kid of like in Tom Sawyer where they go to the island and get sick from smoking but try to play it all off.”While straddling thick branches Far above and away From the softening effects Of civilization;”- The writer felt away from everything, as if they were above it all, and the world was still whizzing around below them while they were at peace above in the trees.”During that summer- Which may never have been at all;” - This says that the summer may have been just a memory and they can not quite remember it all.”But which has become more real Than the one that was” - They like this memory, whether it happened or not, and now it is a part of them that they will always remember and cherish.”Watermelons ruled.” - The writer likes watermelon. This is my interpretation of the poem, but I am sure others will be able to explain it in numerous other ways.

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Filed under: English

Fluoride

Posted on February 3rd, 2008 by patrickse

Some people disapprove of adding fluoride to drinking water because it stains and mottles teeth and the EPA has confirmed that it does not reduce tooth decay and that there is clear evidence that fluoride causes cancer and other health risks. I think we should not add fluoride to water because it does not help people’s teeth and it could cause cancer and hip fractures. Before toothpaste used fluoride, someone had to find a fluoride-abrasive compound that worked. Side-effects of fluoride are well documented. The Journal of the American Medical Association has reported a more hip fractures in fluoridated areas in the U.S. and Britain. The New England Journal of Medicine reported that fluoride treatment of osteoporosis patients resulted in more hip fractures. Former promoters of fluoridation have since found that fluoridation does not reduce tooth decay. Scientist at the EPA have come out against fluoridation because they confirmed that it doesn’t reduce tooth decay and it causes cancer.

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Filed under: Fluoride, Science