Kingdom Animalia by Aracelis Girmay is a book of poems on topics that I picked up on, such as gender, race, and overall identity, as well as issues like death, memory, and the overall interconnectedness of all living beings. The first 70 pages captivated me with Girmay's profound insights into the human experience and its connectedness to the natural world, often comparing humans to animals and so on. Girmay's ability to combine personal narratives with larger cultural themes creates an intimate yet global tapestry for readers. Her poetic narrative compelled me to consider my relationships with the world around me, even raising concerns about belonging, grief, and how we are all interconnected as human beings. Girmay's investigation of ancestry and heritage was one of the most striking aspects of the poetry book for me. She delves into her family's stories, tracing them across …show more content…
The idea of being on a “stopped train leaving town” metaphorically conveys the pause in time and movement that occurs when confronted with this sudden catastrophe. Continuing, “packs into me—freight—” emphasizes the weight and effect of the knowledge, which overwhelms her even after her brother reassures her with “finefine.” It exemplifies the uneasiness of being/caring for those you love. The contrast between wishing to “turn away” from the terrible reality and the heart's physical reaction, described as dropping “like a sad, fat persimmon,” exemplifies the psychological conflict between avoidance and acceptance. This inner chaos is then heightened for Girmay by reflecting on mortality and the fleeting aspect of life on Earth, saying, “One day, not today, not now, we will be gone from this earth where we know the gladiolas.” Girmay's examination of human vulnerability and connection through this short poem then includes her relationship with her brother and his