The Bull

In "The Bull," the bull symbolizes discovery. When the speaker finds the bull standing in his backyard, he feels powerless to ignore him. The bull embodies the magic of childhood and adolescence. At the same time, touching the bull grants the reader entrance not to life's answers, but to the truth of being alive.

Green Socks

In "Dear Peter," the green socks the speaker wears while in rehab symbolize intimacy. The socks belong to his partner, Peter. Wearing the socks allows him to feel close to Peter. The socks are also a representation of their relationship and their closeness. Wearing them reminds the speaker of a life and a self before and beyond the rehabilitation center.

Car Crash

In "American Legend," the car crash symbolizes longing. While the speaker and his father are driving to the clinic to put their dog down, the speaker crashes...