My poem analysis is over the poem Brotherhood by Gerry Anderson.This is a poem about addiction and the heartache it can cause. The poem is directed towards addicts and their struggle. The author talks about addicts as being lost in spirit. This poem’s timeframe could be anywhere from the 1960’s to present time because it depicts addicts living on the streets.  To my understanding there has been drug problems in the cities of the United States all during these decades.  The poem refers to people who live on the streets, “begging for favors and pleading for change.”  

The poem Brotherhood is structured into 5 stanzas. There is no rhyme or meter in the stanzas of the poem.  At the end of each stanza there is a line that is repeated. The first, third and fourth stanzas have an overall sad mood. The second and fifth stanza have more of hopeful mood. In the second it is hopeful about the children and in the fifth it is hopeful that the addicts turn their life around.

Some examples of imagery in this poem are “streets paved with sadness”, “addicts begging for favors and pleading for change,” “desperation plagues their dark hollow eyes.” Through these words I can see inner city streets with hobos on the sidewalk asking for change with hollow, lifeless eyes.  People with no jobs, drug problems, who are scavenging for food, but given a dollar, they will spend it on drugs.

In the second stanza there is more positive imagery. “Smiles and joy light up their faces with glee, laughter fills the air with song and delight.” This makes me think of happy children playing in the park like you see in movies. Small children running around, chasing birds, and playing on the jungle gym.

The second and last stanzas turn to a more hopeful outlook.  The author talks about “praying for the ones that have given up hope” and “Hope for a future of love, faith and joy.”  Hope is essential for life. Without hope there is nothing to drive you forward.

This poem is kind of dark and depressing.  It is not something I would choose to read on an ongoing basis because I prefer more upbeat and optimistic literature.  I do think that the author was effective in getting his message out since he wrote this poem to “all those near and dear to the lost in spirit.”  I can see that if someone had battled addiction with a loved one or family member this poem might really hit home with them.  Fortunately, I have not had someone in my life that is using or addicted to drugs, so I cannot relate on that level to the poem. Overall I really appreciate this poems message. It sends a very important message about the hardships that people with addictions face everyday.

http://www.familyfriendpoems.com/poem/brotherhood