On Not Shoplifting Louise Bogan's The Blues Estuaries Comments

Poem "On Not Shoplifting Louise Bogan's The Blue Estuaries" written by Julia Alvarez is a critique about shoplifting. It presents an ethical problem which is stealing. The scene occurs in Campus bookstore where any student could get a book and read it. She is reading the book which consists of unfamiliar and simple poems. These poems are written by an unknown author. The cover of the book is swans which is a symbol of beauty and art. She is inspired by these poems to write. For a moment she thinks of taking the book; however, she decides not to steal it. The reason for her of not taking the book is maybe because she wants to become a writer and not a thieve. The book was a reflection of a mirror for she decided to put it back for its beauty. She had a moment of guiltiness. If she had taken the book it would have destroyed the message of this poem. Besides, by leaving the book at the Campus, she left the book for others to read and enjoy the beauty of that unknown book. All in all, this poem leaves us with a great message to let others enjoy the greatness of a book. Stealing is not the key to succeed, but the endeavor of darkness and fatal path.