Heartbeats
Dixon’s poem is written in 20 couplets of trochaic dimeter mimicking the rhythm of a heartbeat. In simple, often two-word phrases separated by periods, Dixon counters the stability of his rhythmic meter by evoking the chaotic feelings of coping with unstable health. He includes the ups and downs of swinging quickly from themes of exercise, confidence, and calm routines to sickness, bodily overwhelm, and hospitals. By weaving in the words “breathe in” and “breathe out” he highlights the conscious efforts one must take to keep breathing in the midst of conditions making it nearly impossible. This poem would go well in any health focused literature curriculum as it gives a uniquely structured and deeply evocative perspective to the challenges of living with a heart condition and managing the panic that comes along with it.