At the Un-National Monumanet Along the Canadian Border- William Stafford

This is the field where the battle did not happen,
where the unknown soldier did not die.
This is the field where grass joined hands,
where no monument stands,
and the only heroic thing is the sky.

Birds fly here without any sound,
unfolding their wings across the open.
No people killed — or were killed — on this ground
hallowed by neglect and an air so tame
that people celebrate it by forgetting its name.


REACTION!
Upon first reading this poem, I was a tad bit confused by its contents. After reading the poem for the second time, I had a better understanding of it.

MEANING!!
I do ever so believe that what this poem is trying to convey is that Canada has never engaged in war, and is thus a peaceful country. However, it is for this reason that the country is generally looked over, because nothing "exciting" happens there.

TECHNIQUE!!! OH YEAH!!!!
This poem would appear to be primarily free verse, although one true rhyme exists in each of the two stanzas. Imagery is demonstrated in the speaker's description of Canada.