Before She Died Precis

The poem, "Before She Died," by Karen Chase, is a poem about dying with a depressed tone. The poet uses one single simile in the poem, but the simile is what helps create a powerful image of understanding. Chase writes about her dying friend, possibly a lover, explaining to them she has began to slow down in life and look at all the small things. The simile is stated in the very last line saying, "like a dog's lifetime--long--multiplied by sevens."  She writes this hoping to create the powerful image of appreciation for life. To ask of her audience to take a minute and slow down because you never know what could happen to yourself, or your loved one, and you would want their life to be lengthened so you could appreciate every moment with them. By using the simile in her poem, Chase was able to create a depressing, but appreciating poem in a deep and meaningful way.