Mr. Z / M. Carl Holman

“ringing crude changes on a clumsy phrase” ( Holman 849).  I like this phrase in the poem. It is very simple but has a lot of meaning.  It shows Mr. Z’s efforts being totally cast aside by one Obit writer.  He tried his whole life to escape part of himself but fails. He does everything right to avoid one part of himself and cling to another part of himself.  This may give his respect by his pears but not totally.  He gains respect and prominence for his work but never himself. His difference is too visible.  No mater how much he runs it will always be with him.  This part of himself he tries to escape is stile part of him to the end even though he tries to hide from it. If he would have accepted all of his attributes he would not have had to run from himself.  Even with his total self he could of gain just as much prominence with les self sacrifice.