How is loss the central theme of the poem? Why is it important to remember these men? How is the environment essential? What is the poem warning us as individuals?

The ballad, “The Edmund Fitzgerald” by Gordon Lightfoot expresses the themes of loss and environment. The poem is about a freighter boat that sinks during it’s journey across Lake Superior. The cause of the boat’s sinking is from the from the early storms on the lake: ” The good ship and crew was a bone to be chewed / When the gales of November came early” (Lightfoot, 7-8). It shows how the death of twenty-nine people could affect so many more. There were many people who went to go pray for the sailors in the maritime sailors’ cathedral. Even though there are some people that may not have any connection to the sailors, people would still care about the lives that have been lost:  “The church bell chimed till it rang twenty-nine times / for each man on the Edmund Fitzgerald” (Lightfoot, 51-52). They would respect the lives of the people who were lost and help the families and others who were affected. The power of the church bell shows the importance of the event and how everyone is paying their respects towards the families.

The environment is a key factor in the poem because it caused the boat to sink. The environment demonstrates the consequences of people who aren’t ready for what is to come to them. As the sailors were unaware of the storm that would be coming early, they didn’t prepare for it: “And a wave broke over the railing / And every man knew, as the captain did too, / T’was the witch of November come stealin'” (Lightfoot, 18-20). The message being conveyed is that one should prepare well for long trips, as they won’t know what would be coming for them. Next time, you should be prepared for anything that might happen, and, try to foresee what will come so you’ll have a better plan.

The Gift of the Magi

It was Christmas Eve and the cold winds banged against the window,

Delicately wrapping the shining platinum chain in a box, she heard the bustling of the last-minute shoppers below,

She pondered and thought

What the new year would bring.

Would she be able to carry out to the spring?

She glanced at all the soft knitted mittens and gloves,

The ones that she spent days filling with love.

If the day would come where she could have her own child,

Oh, would that make her husband smile.

She looked at the box that sat in the corner,

The one that was filled with funds for a son or daughter,

Was sealed away for the day come,

But otherwise they were almost short in funds.

Soon Jim came up the stairs with a pitter patter,

He smiled at Della taking off his hat that was tattered.

Then gave her hug wishing her Merry Christmas,

And pulled out a small box with a small little red bow.

When she opened it up, oh how her face glowed.

Within the box were the combs she had admired,

Of pure tortoise shell embedded with jewels

She then brought out her own gift for Jim,

The beautiful yet simple chain for his watch,

With a click he attached it on and checked the time,

“Why Dell dear, what shall we do? Should there be others that we could give a gift too?”

Della thought for a moment,

“Shall we see if there is a child in the orphanage?”

They pulled on their coats, their gloves and their toques

Then skipped down the stairs to see if it would do.

Shuffling down the streets they went

To the orphanage to see their luck,

To give the child a much warm home.

Jim opened the door with Della behind

They heard the ring of a bell

The children started to get into line.

Their eyes darted and some even whispered,

“Could it be a miracle to get a family this winter?”

There was an old lady who came to the pair,

“You’re here to adopt a child I’m aware?”

Della nodded and said to the children “Hi”

As she was looking there was one who caught her eye.

A small little girl, around two or three,

Was standing right next to the little Christmas tree.

Her eyes were full of wonder,

Not knowing anything about the world around her.

Della smiled and walked up the girl,

“What may be your name dear?”

“Ruth,” she said with a small little voice,

Della glanced back at Jim know she was her choice.

Jim went to the lady and signed some forms,

Confirming that they were able to support,

A new child that would be in their lives.

Ruth still confused didn’t know what was happening,

But felt the emotion as she started crying.

Della then scooped her up in her arms

Where Ruth would hold on knowing that she was to protect her from harm.

Jim with a small bag of her belongings,

Together they walked home knowing,

That Christmas is more than just giving.

As the Magi had given the gifts to Jesus,

Why they had given the gift of a family.

Why the gifts of Christmas just keep on giving,

As the Magi had done for the baby Jesus,

So will many more to come.

As they are the Magi.