This poem is beautifully referenced in Mark Campbell's libretto for _As One_, an opera about the life and self acceptance of a trans woman, Hannah. Her class is also assigned the poem to study. This part destroys me every time:

*Hannah before, Hannah after, Conductor, Quartet:* “…Any man’s death diminishes me, Because I am involved in mankind…”

*Hannah before:* I am the lone, Dissenting voice In the classroom. I rise and declare To a sea of non-islanders: “It isn’t true, I am an island.”

With all the experience Of my fourteen years, I see no other life Than one apart, Alone.

I need no one. No one needs me. I consigned myself To my own island long ago. Long ago.

I argue, and, Satisfied by My brilliant discourse on independence, Sit back down. The classroom is silent. The teacher seems impressed. (Or was she concerned?)