Upgraded to Serious

Heather McHugh presents a fast-paced, verbally dexterous, and brilliantly humorous book. Utilizing medical terminology and iconography to work through loss and detachment, McHugh’s startling rhymes and rhythms—along with her sarcastic self-reflection and infectious laughter—serve as antidotes to the sufferings of the world. Being “upgraded to serious” from critical condition is a nod to the healing powers of poetry.

**"Not to Be Dwelled On"**

*Self-interest cropped up even there,*

*the day I hoisted three instead*

*of the ceremonially called-for two*

*spadefuls of loam*

*onto the coffin of my friend.*

*Why shovel more than anybody else?*

*What did I think I’d prove? More love*

*(mud in her eye)? More will to work?*

*(Her father what, a shirker?) Christ,*

*what wouldn’t anybody give*

*to get that gesture back?*

*She cannot die again; and I*

*do nothing but re-live.*