Angel of Geese and Before An Old Painting of the Crucifixion

Angel of Geese is a poem about loss and having no hope. I believe Momaday is speaking of personal loss in his life as well as people of a paticular culture who have expierenced the loss of many citizens. The poem is a depressing but interesting one. Before An Old Painting of the Crucifixion is a poem of Momaday that I believe is speaking about the feeling of despair and how the strength of this feeling devours all positive aspects of life. I am not sure however if he is speaking of his own father.