Smith’s “Good Bones” is a free verse, non-rhyming poem. It lacks a metrical rhythm or pattern and is written in one 17-line stanza. Through literary devices such as repetition and anaphora, Smith creates a musical quality as well as a reiterative voice that returns to themes and symbols throughout. Written in the voice of a parent in the first person singular perspective, “Good Bones” repeats concepts (the briefness of life, the awful state of the world) only to arrive at a new, different concept to conclude the poem (beauty, hope, and possibility).

Written in a conversational tone, “Good Bones” relies on colloquial phrasing and simple language, which is accessible for a wide audience. Examples of this include the opening phrase “Life is short” (Line 1)—which borders on cliché—and the simple, straightforward example, “for every kind / stranger, there is one who would break you” (Lines 11-12). Devoid of figurative language, simile, and

Don't Miss Out!

Access Study Guide Now