Depression

“Depression” is a free verse, unmetered poem composed of irregular line and stanza lengths. It is a poem in two parts. Section 1 is 20 lines divided across three stanzas. Section 2 is one stanza of 11 lines. The poem is four stanzas of 31 lines in total.

Regarding the difference between formal poetry and free verse, Sanchez says, “all free verse has form” (“Lucille Clifton & Sonia Sanchez: Mirrors and Windows.” YouTube, uploaded by Cave Canem Foundation, October 19 2016). The form of “Depression” communicates some truths about the reality of being depressed. The speaker is too depressed to adhere to a regular line length, stanza length, or section length, much less a rhyme scheme or meter. Questions arise at irregular intervals—two questions in Stanza 3, one in Stanza 4. All of this creates a form of intentional disarray.

Nonetheless, “Depression” shows some regularity. Both Sections 1 and 2 begin with the phrase “I have” (Lines 1, 21). This shows the reader that there is a cyclical pattern to the chaos. Enjambment follows its own logic. Line breaks frequently happen in the middle of sentences, but enjambment rarely disrupts phrases.