Kelly is an instructor of creative writing and literature at two colleges in Illinois. In this essay, Kelly examines the technique of parallel structure, which Gregg uses frequently in "A Thirst Against," and the poem's overall structure, which makes that technique too obvious.

Linda Gregg's poem "A Thirst Against" works by using several basic linguistic devices, most notably repetition and contrast. The poem states its major premise several times over, and then, to clarify some ideas, pairs them with their opposites, in order to show contrast. These techniques work well, but are limited: once a point has been made, it has been made, and making it over again just tries the patience of anyone reading the poem. Still, Gregg is a clever enough writer, with enough fresh details to bring to any topic to keep readers interested in her work, even when she is telling them something...