Poet Miles Burrows' latest collection, Slow Puncture, features the poem "Missing You," which mercilessly lampoons Western attitudes towards ageing, forcing its readers to confront a stark reality. The poem revolves around an aged moon-person, with the speaker questioning whether it's time for this lunar being to be institutionalized.
As the lights dim, two voices are heard discussing the moon's age and how old people often seem like they're edging nearer – a phrase eerily ironic given that the moon is actually increasing its distance from Earth. However, these lines are soon overshadowed by a scathing critique of societal expectations placed on older individuals.
The poem delves into an uncomfortable exploration of the moon-person's perceived shortcomings, including 'skittering about,' forgetting important details, and an inability to carry out simple tasks without assistance. These criticisms escalate into anger and frustration as the relatives demand that the moon-person "pull itself together" – a sentiment made even more biting by the moon's own faint attempts at recovery.
Throughout this scathing satire, Burrows skillfully employs his signature blend of dark humor and piercing insight to dismantle societal norms surrounding age. The poem then morphs into an evocative portrayal of the human experience: frailty, forgetfulness, anxiety, and the struggle for identity as one faces mortality.
Burrows' poetic voice masterfully conveys a sense of urgency in this poem. His biting satire makes us laugh and cringe simultaneously – much like his other work, which expertly satirizes societal conventions without letting its sharp humor detract from the poignant human experience at its core.
As the lights dim, two voices are heard discussing the moon's age and how old people often seem like they're edging nearer – a phrase eerily ironic given that the moon is actually increasing its distance from Earth. However, these lines are soon overshadowed by a scathing critique of societal expectations placed on older individuals.
The poem delves into an uncomfortable exploration of the moon-person's perceived shortcomings, including 'skittering about,' forgetting important details, and an inability to carry out simple tasks without assistance. These criticisms escalate into anger and frustration as the relatives demand that the moon-person "pull itself together" – a sentiment made even more biting by the moon's own faint attempts at recovery.
Throughout this scathing satire, Burrows skillfully employs his signature blend of dark humor and piercing insight to dismantle societal norms surrounding age. The poem then morphs into an evocative portrayal of the human experience: frailty, forgetfulness, anxiety, and the struggle for identity as one faces mortality.
Burrows' poetic voice masterfully conveys a sense of urgency in this poem. His biting satire makes us laugh and cringe simultaneously – much like his other work, which expertly satirizes societal conventions without letting its sharp humor detract from the poignant human experience at its core.
... i mean think about it - a poet writing a scathing critique of society's ageist attitudes? and now we're supposed to just take his word for it? 
it's almost like he's trying to say something, but also make us laugh while doing it. the way he describes the moon-person 'skittering about' is kinda on point though... maybe there's more to this poem than meets the eye 
i mean, it's like when u try to remember where u put ur phone and can't... 
anyway, burrows' signature dark humor & piercing insight are on point again - his satire is so sharp u can almost taste the sarcasm 
but at the same time, he's still got that tender spot in his heart for humanity 
... I mean, who says stuff like that about people's parents or grandparents? 
. The way it highlights how we put all these expectations on older folks is just crazy 
... I need to reread that poem again because my mind is blown 
He's really pushing boundaries with this poem "Missing You" and I think it's so refreshing to see someone tackle the tough topic of ageing in such a clever way. The satire is on point, like, who hasn't felt pressured to 'pull themselves together' as we get older? 
The way he pokes fun at these norms while still hitting you with the harsh realities is like... perfection 
The fact that his poem explores the human experience in all its messy glory is what makes it so relatable and impactful. I'm totes here for this collection 
. I mean who hasn't had to deal with family members being all like "just pull yourself together" like that's actually gonna make the situation better? 
and I love how he weaves together these darkly comedic moments with some real emotional depth. The moon-person's struggles feel so relatable... even if they are a bit out of this world