On a Bright Day, Next Week
On a Bright Day, Next Week - meaning Summary
Anticipation of Annihilation and Mercy
The poem imagines a speaker on the verge of a catastrophic moment—"just before the bomb falls"—who foresees their own death and the transformation of grief into elemental, dark imagery. Ashen tears and Buddhist allusions evoke both physical ruin and spiritual weight. Despite impending annihilation, the closing lines offer a paradoxical hope: mercy descends "falling on the children," suggesting compassion or redemption arriving amid devastation.
Read Complete AnalysesOn a bright day, next week Just before the bomb falls Just before the world Just before I die All my tears will powder Black in dust like ashes Black like Buddha's belly Black and hot and dry Then will mercy tumble Falling down in godheads Falling on the children Falling from the sky
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