Publication Date by Franz Wright

Franz Wright's "Publication Date" emphasizes the stress in putting oneself out in the public eye through antithesis, using an apprehensive yet cheerful tone. He often contrasts cheery and saddening words. He mentions that the day his book comes out is "National I Hate Myself and Want to Die Day" and the next day, where he will love his life. He brings in examples to show how the days will be the exact same naturally, but different at heart: "They say tomorrow will be just like today, but different." Nothing will have changed except his reputation amongst book readers. Those who love his book are also contrasted with others, as he hopes his book is "in the hands of a kind-hearted / intelligent person somewhere." This is shown against nature, in the image of a sparrow, who ultimately drives home the point that regardless of how things go, life will continue on, as Wright shows the stress will ultimately fadeaway and the world will keep turning.