Draft:The Life That I Have By Leo Marks
“The Life That I Have” By Leo Marks was an original poem composed on Christmas Eve 1943 and was originally written by Marks in memory of his girlfriend Ruth, who had just died in a plane crash in Canada. Fun fact this poem was actually recited at Jane Birkin's (Famous singer and actress) funeral by her friend. Now why has this poem been recited at a funeral although it’s a poem about love? [1]
This poem was written to emphasize Leo Mark’s deep affection towards his girlfriend Ruth, with such simple literacy Leo was able to create a wonderful sense and an open door to his heart and how exactly he adores her. In the first two stanzas he indicates that his life is nothing but hers and is the only thing he has, meaning that the most important thing to him is her and her only. Furthermore his love for life itself is also hers because his devotion towards her is the entire foundation of his life. That is why when she died he wrote such a touching poem that made you see his emotions as if they stood right in front of you.
As the words dance out of his heart onto paper he finishes the poem with another two stanzas that talk about the opposite of life, death. Instead of showing his sadness he expresses it in a way of acceptance and resolve. This may be an indication that it may have taken him more than a single sitting to make this poem; this is because he finished the grief cycle. He says that death is only a “pause” for him, which means that he’ll love her even in the afterlife. He confirms this when he has said “For the peace of my years In the long green grass”. The grass is used as imagery for the afterlife painting a picture of a serene and natural timeless space. So after his peaceful life that she has given him he’ll return to her again.
Leo Marks has unfortunately died in January 15 2001 because of cancer but his affection towards her will never end because it has been stamped onto this world. This poem teaches us what true love is and the importance of it, love brings peace and rest. Finally this poem is built on love and tranquility and that is why it was read to the famous singer and actress Jane Birkins at the very end of the funeral.