Carnal Knowledge” Assignment
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“Carnal Knowledge” Assignment
Stanza 1:
“You, young, whistled again,
entered Kings, climbed the stone-murky steps
to the high and brilliant Dissecting Room
where nameless others, naked on the slabs,”
These lines remind me of how scary and lifeless the operating room can feel. I know this verse is about the cadaver being dissected, but the ultimate purpose of practicing here is also preparation for surgery. Ive never actually been a patient in an OR, but Ive been in one countless number of times as an observer and this verse gives another perspective on how things can seem from the other side.
Stanza 2:
“Your neck exposed, muscles, nerves, vessels,
a mere coloured plate in some Anatomy Book;
your right hand, too, dissected, never belonged
it seemed to someone once shockingly alive”
This line reminds me to think of the fact that the cadaver was once a live person and not just a learning tool. It helps to remember to respect their body and their sacrifice so we could be better doctors.
Stanza 3:
“So, the Anatomy Course over, Jerome,
thanatologist,