The poem reminds us of this many times throughout the poem but there are three main references. ... The unborn child, the poet, would find it worth living for harmony, friendship, non-violence and peace. ... Sinning is another fear that the unborn child has of the world. ... Everybody has sinned, everybody sins and everybody will sin, so the child is asking Christ, who so often taught of forgiveness, to pardon the world's sins. ... These things which are said are therefore lies, which is a sin. ...

• Word Count: 2163
• Approx Pages: 9
• Grade Level: High School

So, the last stanza answers the questions that we've been wondering through the poem. ... The poem develops an image of a family supporting their brother, and son, before he goes off to fight in Europe. ... Throughout the poem, Cummings uses the word "etcetera," for many different usages, and parts of speech. ... Most importantly, the poem foreshadows his later poems, which put love on a pedestal, high above the power of conflict, or anything else on earth. ... Also, "i sing of Olaf," relates to a completely different poem Cummings wrote called "any man is wonderful."...

• Word Count: 4790
• Approx Pages: 19
• Grade Level: High School