Response to Gillian's Found Poem

What strikes me the most about Gillian's found poem is the fact that the story reflects about the self and the confusion of who one is. It's interesting to note how the poem begins: "I don't know who Khalilah is." Personally, I was led to think that the writer was simply trying to investigate on the character of another being, however it is much deeper than that; Khalilah is herself. She seems to be searching (and evening questioning) her own belief and religion...possibly even her own being.
After the events of September 11, I shamefully forget how Islam was originally viewed. Was it really considered as "the religion of the Devil" before this tragedy? Was it more accepted?
Aside from the speaker's own feelings about the stance, the physical setup of the poem is also interesting to note. Most of the significant words claim their own line. The found poem also seems to create a flow of speeding down the page. Personally, I get a sense of panic or an overflow of ideas and thoughts. Perhaps this is what is being conveyed. When one further analyses individual lines of the poem, one can notice that most lines can interpret an idea each individually. Words like "difficult", "alone", and "all Muslims" convey their own message. The line "all Muslims" itself connotes a generalization or a stereotyping. Of course, not all Muslims are the same. The nation just seems to now generalize it out of anger toward the specific groups involved.
Another interesting thing to note is the image included. It stands simplistic like a typical family photo on a day trip to the park. Nevertheless, the photo portrays something deeper. To me, it brings to mind many thoughts. One can easily see feelings and emotions. There is also sense of enjoyment and relaxation. The photo brings about a sense of belongingness, humanity, and family.
Though simple and short, this works convicts my perceptions on other religions and discrimination particularly against Muslims over one particular event. We not only degrade the individual, but the family as well.

Read the original found poem by Gillian.

- Karl Abordo