Naming of Parts

The Naming of Parts

By: Henry Reed


Henry Reed comprised the narrative poem, "Naming of Parts" in five stanzas each being

six lines in length. With the exitance of two voices, an unlikely juxtaposition, and use of repitition,

Reed introduces a unique twist on the usual theme of life versus death, using the images of life in

a garden in comparison with steely act of naming the parts of a gun.

In each stanza Reed effectively presents two voices. The first is that of a military type

instructor who appears to lack enthusiasm when instructing his class on naming each part of their

gun. The first stanza reads:

Today we have naming of parts. Yesterday,

We had daily cleaning. And tomorrow morning,

We shall have what to do after firing. But today,

Today we have naming of parts. Japonica

Glistens like coral in all of the neighboring gardens,

And today we have naming of parts.

The...