i can relate to this. although not remotely my collegiate focus, i at one point had to write an explication of ee cummings "little tree". cummings moves me more profoundly than any other poet as of yet. i was very upset to have to write the paper, but it was mostly for fear that i would do it criminal injustice. fortunately my prof gave me the lattitude to throw my heart and soul into it - and i actually came up with something i was proud of. i wish i could say all of my stars were out - maybe someday. i never had to defend it to anyone, and i'm sure that would add an entire dimension i can't even relate to. by the way - i'm new too, welcome to the list.