"There have been two popular subjects for poetry in the last few decades: the Vietnam War and AIDS, about both of which almost all of us have felt deeply"

Thom Gunn's quote accentuates the considerable cultural and psychological weight that the Vietnam War and the AIDS epidemic have brought in recent years, particularly within the realm of poetry. By identifying these two subjects as "popular" for poetry, Gunn recommends that both have actually resonated profoundly with poets and their audiences, offering abundant material for exploration and expression.

The Vietnam War, which spanned from the 1950s to the 1970s, was a conflict that deeply divided popular opinion, influencing not only political discourse however also art and literature. The war's ubiquitous existence in media and its intense effect on private lives made it fertile ground for poetic expedition. Poetry ended up being a means to procedure and articulate the intricacies of war-- the loss, the heroism, the futility, and the political implications. Poets utilized their craft to browse individual and cumulative unraveling caused by the dispute.

Likewise, the AIDS epidemic emerged as a poignant subject for poetry during the late 20th century. The prevalent fear, social preconception, and profound sense of loss linked to the crisis required a deeper emotional and intellectual evaluation. The epidemic damaged communities and exceptionally impacted how society viewed health problem, sexuality, and mortality. The seriousness of AIDS as a topic for poetry depends on its immediacy and its terrible influence on human lives, prompting poets to confront themes of death, discrimination, and endurance.

Gunn's assertion that "nearly all people have felt deeply" about these issues talks to their universal impact and the collective grief they stimulated. Poetry, as a kind of expression, enables the expression of intricate human emotions and experiences, offering solace or understanding. Through poetry, the Vietnam War and the AIDS crisis continue to be analyzed, their legacies surviving on through the words of those who witnessed, suffered, and made it through. Gunn's observation highlights the power of poetry to encapsulate societal struggles and influence discourse, ensuring that these considerable historical events remain in public consciousness.