Pa6ghosts Minnie

Minnie 1201

“Ghosts” by Kiki Petrosino Kiki Petrosino’s thought-provoking poem “Ghosts” reflects the theme of the existence of unknown subjects brought to life by the personification of her idea of ghosts. The characteristic of personification as a poetic device, that is, giving life to inanimate objects, aligns with the central purpose of the poem: giving life or meaning to an unknowable concept. For instance, in the first stanza, the poet characterizes ghosts as mothers whose hair is “blooming from silk kerchiefs.” The word “blooming” on its own is associated with liveliness; once combined with “hair,” cumulatively depicts the physical outlook of healthy growth, an idea which contrasts the idea of ghosts-- a representation of death. These collective clashing ideas contribute to the poet’s limitless and fluid definition of ghosts. This prolonged uncertain undertone is carried on to the last stanza as an unlikely comparison between ghosts and “saucers or moons” is brought up. The poet personifies them as “pleased with their belts of colored dust” and “hailing to no others.” This personification presents an alternative point of view in which ghosts are fulfilled and content with their existence. The last stanza’s overall depiction of the ghosts’ independence, in addition to the poet’s ability to bring to life the concept of ghosts, further emphasize the free-flowing quality of its existence and meaning. That provides a lesson humans can learn from, to not assume what we not yet know.