100 years

Linda’s story closes “The Lives of the Dead.” We all die, but as Mitchell Sanders reminds us, “death sucks.” As O’Brien recites the litany of those who have died throughout his life, we see them as they lived as well as the way they died. This chapter serves to tie together the stories of the past, how it is shaping the future, and what it may mean for the future. A dreamlike quality softens this chapter, and creates the sense of the writer reflecting upon a life that it about to end.

The words of “100 Years” serve the same purpose, but are more uplifting. They’re a welcome palate cleanser after basking in the heaviness and despair of the Vietnam war.

I'm 99 for a moment 
 Dying for just another moment 
 And I'm just dreaming Counting the ways to where you are