Page 2: The Consequences of Return

The second page of the Kamikaze poem annotated version focuses on the aftermath of the pilot's decision to return home. It explores the social and emotional consequences he faces.

The poem shifts to describe the pilot's life after his return, narrated from the perspective of his daughter. The tone becomes somber as it details the family's and community's reaction to his presence.

Quote: "My mother never spoke again / in his presence, nor did she meet his eyes"

This powerful statement illustrates the deep shame and rejection the pilot experiences. The poem highlights how his decision affects not only him but also his entire family.

Highlight: The gradual change in the children's behavior, from initial acceptance to learned silence, emphasizes the long-lasting impact of the pilot's choice.

The Kamikaze poem themes and imagery analysis reveals the complex interplay between personal choice and societal expectations. The final lines suggest that the pilot may have questioned whether his decision to live was truly the better choice.

Definition: Shunning - the act of deliberately avoiding association with and habitually keeping away from an individual or group.

Example: The neighbors treating the pilot "as though he no longer existed" exemplifies the severe social consequences of his actions.

The symbolism in Kamikaze poem is particularly poignant in the final stanza, where the daughter's voice emerges, providing a reflective and somewhat detached perspective on her father's life and choices.

Page 1: The Pilot's Journey and Decision

The first page of the Kamikaze poem PDF introduces the central narrative and sets the scene for the pilot's fateful decision.

The poem begins by describing the pilot's departure, equipped with traditional symbols of a kamikaze mission. As he flies, vivid memories of his childhood and home flood his mind, causing him to reconsider his mission.

Quote: "He must have looked far down / at the little fishing boats / strung out like bunting / on a green-blue translucent sea"

This imagery contrasts sharply with the violence of war, highlighting the pilot's internal conflict. The poem uses rich sensory details to immerse the reader in the pilot's experience.

Highlight: The use of similes and metaphors, such as comparing the sea to a "huge flag," creates a powerful visual representation of the pilot's homeland.

The Kamikaze poem structure employs enjambment and lack of punctuation to create a sense of flow and continuous thought, mirroring the pilot's stream of consciousness.

Vocabulary: Kamikaze - Japanese pilots who volunteered for suicide missions during World War II.

Example: The poem mentions "a flask of water, a samurai sword / in the cockpit, a shaven head / full of powerful incantations," illustrating the ritualistic nature of the kamikaze mission.