Packing for the Future: Instructions by Lorna Crozier Analysis

đź“ŚCategory: Literature, Poems
đź“ŚWords: 1192
đź“ŚPages: 5
đź“ŚPublished: 09 April 2021

The nature of the path one often takes to adulthood is commonly said to be erratic, unsteady, but beyond miraculous. Modernly the perception of the future is an intricate, unforeseeable, yet fascinating concept. To some, merely the thought of possibilities of the prospect, what may lie ahead is an unnerving experience; venturing into adulthood, taking that leap into the next stage of your life is nerve-wracking and hair-rasing in itself. Through her poem, "Packing For The Future: INSTRUCTIONS," employing the use of various literary devices in strategic fashions, Lorna appears to convey a soft maternal tone as she contributes her opinions regarding the future. Lorna's symbolistic poetry explores her need for others to prepare for their future to the extent attainable. She warns and provides considerations for one about to take on their new pathway. Though one should prepare for the future and be ready for the possibility of an occurrence of events, you should embrace the unpredictableness that is the journey of life, as the potentiality is endless. 

Though it is human nature to worry concerning what lies ahead, one shouldn't take it upon themselves to prepare every aspect possible of their lives. From a young age, I always had a feeling I was severely unprepared for the future. To cope, I would continuously produce spreadsheets, planning objectives, as well as precise steps I needed to take to excel during the next phase of my life. This process worked from elementary to junior high and junior high to high school, but now that I am supposed to enter into adulthood next, it rather frightens me I don't have all the answers. The questions of "will I be happy, have I made the right choices, "did I reach my goals?" It eats me up inside, ensuing a state of panic. To describe me, one would ordinarily say, often I have all the answers, the goals I have for the future are clear and transparent. However, this isn't the case anymore; still on my mind frequently is the topic of my future career. This topic of what work that's going to take over my life over this decade is rather terrifying, presumably to others of age as well. To compensate, I prepare for every possible career, working as hard as possible to gain experience in multiple fields. Most would easily say that I am overly preparing and should take a break once in a while instead of overworking myself till exhaustion. But still, I need to be suited for a multitude of outcomes, for whatever scenario comes my way. The terms of where they'll end up being are frequently on people's minds. It's the persistent occurrence of "what ifs." "There may be doors nailed shut," Lorna suggests we will not routinely go the route we desire, and that too is okay. If the route one planned on heading through is closed, there will be another path to replace. Learning the lesson that it's natural, as a matter of fact, common not to know the next stage of your life, or even a little lost like I, is something I ought to understand. The unpredictableness of life is what makes it more appealing,  further worthwhile. Though one can prepare for the possibility of "there may," as Lorna continually uses in her poem, someone will never fully identify what will come ahead. Humans will never be ready for the lessons and paths life brings. Overthinking about adulthood to the point of anxiety attacks, like I, is not healthy. It is deemed human nature for the future to be unknown; therefore, we need to enjoy the present while we're in it. In reality, going with the flow will lead you to an endless road of potential. 

I don't want to miss the present thinking about the future; embracing the unexplored is sometimes best. 

Lorna perceives the concept of the future as an event one can prepare for, mostly. "Take you thickest socks" (1.1). She suggests that down this journey of life, be ready for any scenario imaginable. It'll throw whatever at you to detect if you are capable of handling it. The line reaffirms Lorna's forethought and readiness she believes is necessitated for the future. The speaker reinforces the notion that someone can't simply go along directionless; there must be preparation. I consider that lines purpose was to show that regardless of how much someone assumes they are ready for what lies ahead, they will be surprises they could never presume. Through the tone depicted in the composition, it is quite apparent Lorna displays a maternal manner, almost as if all her advice is through her personal experiences.  "In your bag leave room for sadness" (1. 26); the author, through experience, understands it's not all rainbows and sunshine, she cautions us that there will without a doubt be dark times. Nevertheless, she urges that these dark times will be beneficial. They will help us understand and love the positive and desired when they appear and learn from the unfavourable rather than see it as all negativeness. "This is to carry that small thing you cannot leave"(1.18-19). I believe just because you're going through an unexplored stage doesn't imply you should disregard your roots, your past, where you came from. Those are all important foundations one will need on the new journey. Your originality is significant. Never forget your past; it's what shaped you into the individual you are currently. "Lead you out though you can't walk back into that light" (1.23-25); I profoundly agree with Lorna's view on this subject. These momentos you have from your past will be something you refer to when you feel lost. When you feel alone on your journey and feel it's too arduous to keep going,  the mementoes will remind you why you should persevere and lead you back into the light. The possibility of events is what makes life worth it; it's necessary to remember your roots and individuality as they will keep you grounded during your darkest periods. 

Though Lorna believes that one should take what is necessary preparation when venturing into adulthood, contrasting, I would state people, especially me, must learn to go with the flow; planning every step of my life isn't going to lead me to a happy life. The unplanned events in life are sometimes the best you'll ever receive. Letting loose, running wild, being spontaneous, and taking chances are all lessons I have to work on. My main focus of life shouldn't be preparedness but should be creating those dreams, figuring out my individuality, and adventure. In a little section of the poem, the author promotes adventure. "Leave room for a new language" (1.27); she understands a bit that the adventure and doing something you haven't done before is going to be part of this path. For example, in my life, I have always thought my main goal was to end up being a lawyer someday, and lined up internships and various ways to get experience, but recently I've started to realize that's not the path for me, and feel lost. In my perspective, this could be good. I have the opportunity to try various activities to see what else I have an interest in. I plan to sign up for an internship in business this summer that will explore communications, administration, planning, leadership, helping others, meaning it explores many possibilities, and taking that leap of faith to see which aspect I preferred the greatest. The unknowns of where and what lessons I could learn from possibilities in business are endless. Both Lorna and I agree life will take you many places. Not all will be favourable, but you have to the good with the bad and embrace it all.

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