Facing It Poem Interpretation
Yusef Komunyakaa’s 1988 poem “Facing It” is based on his war memories that are triggered when he visit’s the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. The title of the poem can be interpreted on two different levels. Komunyakaa could be facing his past by trying to conquer bad memories, or he could just be facing the memorial wall, reminiscing just like all the other visitors. ... The way he deals with all of his war experiences is by expressing them in this poem. ... Imagery is the main style used in this poem. ... Halfway through the poem, he begins to describe specific points in time. ... Komunyakaa wrote this poem with a two reasons in mind, to not let anyone forget the experiences, and to educate those who do not have the experience that others have received.