The Race

What intrigues me about this poem is the fact that Sharon Olds began to compose her works on a whim...because we are prefaced with this fact, it makes this work seem that much more touching and personal. It seems as if Olds is truly emotional about this subject...the poem flows rather smoothly and includes imagery, dialogue, and close attention to detail (Gate 17, people's hair was shining, second Pan Am terminal). The poem has a poignant ending. As readers, we can feel the sense of urgency and panic that the speaker experiences throughout the poem. This feeling contrasts with her final state of mind...peace, knowing that she was there to see her father take his last breaths.