R.I.P Quxxn

       

Bells for John Whiteside’s Daughter

John Crow Ransom

There was such speed in her little body,   

And such lightness in her footfall,   

It is no wonder her brown study

Astonishes us all.

Her wars were bruited in our high window.   

We looked among orchard trees and beyond   

Where she took arms against her shadow,   

Or harried unto the pond

The lazy geese, like a snow cloud

Dripping their snow on the green grass,   

Tricking and stopping, sleepy and proud,   

Who cried in goose, Alas,

For the tireless heart within the little   

Lady with rod that made them rise

From their noon apple-dreams and scuttle   

Goose-fashion under the skies!

But now go the bells, and we are ready,   

In one house we are sternly stopped

To say we are vexed at her brown study,   

Lying so primly propped.

               Over the winter break, I was informed of tragic news that astonished me greatly. My favorite Youtuber, who was called Quxxn, passed away. I was so shocked by this unfortunate and tragic news that I was in daze for some time. It was hard to believe that such an energetic and happy person could be gone forever and never to return. As a result, I often think about Quxxn which led me to discover a poem that reminds me of her. The poem “Bells for John Whiteside’s Daughter” by John Crowe Ransom seems to relate to Quxxn’s passing. First, the title “Bells for John Whiteside’s Daughter” reminds me of Quxxn in a bittersweet way. The speaker of the poem obviously is not well acquainted with John Whiteside’s daughter because he doesn’t even know her name. I, too, don’t even know Quxxn’s real name and life story. I just know that she was a young woman who loved playing The Sims and enjoyed life. Yet, both the speaker and I share a bittersweet feeling for the deceased ones. Even though we don’t know these individuals, we feel sad over their passing because they remain so alive in our memories. For instance, the speaker of the poem reminisces about “such speed in [the little girl’s] little body” and the “lightness in her foot fall” (Line 1-2). By emphasizing lively diction such as “speed” and “foot fall”, the speaker is attempting to depict his memories of the girl as positive and sweet (Line 1-2).. Through this emphasis, we can understand the poet’s astonishment and sadness over the girl’s sudden death. Like the speaker, I am saddened by Quxxn’s passing because I am bombarded with memories of her upbeat and friendly personality. Her videos always started with a happy introduction which depicted her as an energetic and cheerful person so it comes as a surprise that I can never see or hear her voice anymore. However, the speaker and I have realized that death is a natural part of life that we must accept. Therefore, “we are ready” to accept her “brown study” (Line 17-18). (Brown study according to The Free Dictionary means a state of deep thought which represents death in this poem.) The poem definitely discusses a great theme on life which I consider AP Lit merit. As we live our lives, we will be faced with deaths of people who are close to us or slightly acquainted with. It is perfectly normal to grieve for the dead but it is our duty to move on with our lives. We cannot be frozen in a moment that is full of sorrow and regret. Humans are destined to live their lives at full potential. Finally, I can predict that some will argue that the speaker of the poem is indifferent and harsh towards the little girl’s death given that he does not know her name. Yet, I see the speaker’s positive and lively descriptions of the little girl such as “tireless heart within the little/Lady” as an indication of his affection and appreciation for her (Line 13-14).