"The Man with Night Sweats" by Thom Gunn

The persona here is dealing with some internal issue. Something that is happening is resulting in night sweats for this person. Night sweats are the reaction to the situation, therefore, a certain level of wisdom can be found in this. The wisdom and poignancy go hand in hand because the sharpest part of the piece is not given explicitly, but it is the fact that he or she is living with this thing. "A world of wonders in each challenge to the skin. i cannot but be sorry the given shield was cracked, my mind reduced to hurry, my flesh reduced and wrecked." The reaction, night sweats, tears, tantrums, and even silence is where the poignancy and wisdom are found. It is also where I and all people should find themselves; the time of solitude in which you are the only one surrounding yourself.