Much of modern literature is built on the foundation of intertextuality. A sonnet talking about weather presdisposes itself to comparisons to Shakespeare's Sonnet 18, but a connection to "Time of the Season" by the Zombies could be drawn. In this way, poetry and prose alike become subject to placement in a broader conversation.
One power of authorship is the ability to become self referential. Rather than invoke Milton or Lewis Carol, an established author like David Mitchell can make references to their previous work and add layers of meaning and emotion to their pieces. Here, I have the association of poems I wrote months ago during a breakup, but I also have the fresh eyes of being detached from the situation. The combination of these two make both sets of poems different than if they had stood alone.
long ready to forfeit to the cold one,
I see Persephone again but our gazes retreat –
hearts melted but for eachother frozen.
Tempestuously dark winds dispersed
to calm lilypads suspended with gentle sway,
and my blessings far outnumber my curse.
I'm as bright as a fresh perennial
because I remember how I don't need her anymore,
and the whole hooblah is made trivial.
could use a lesson of progress or two from me.
ready for summer rain and hot passion,
una dia con bravado sin cuidado.
Someone new in my arms will be the new fashion
but other bonfires are just as warming,
and other bright sunflowers equally, quickly burgeon.
New relationships are always forming.
and it may sound false or dumb.
I enjoy the truly myself me that I've come to know.
It's nice for a heart to beat its own drum
for now, a bouquet bought by me for myself is ideal.