'Eleventh Hour' by David Lehman

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The bloom was off the economic recovery.
"I just want to know one thing," she said.
What was that one thing? He'll never know,
Because at just that moment he heard the sound
Of broken glass in the bathroom, and when he got there,
It was dark. His hand went to the wall
But the switch wasn't where it was supposed to be
Which felt like déjà vu. And then she was gone.
And now he knew how it felt to stand
On the local platform as the express whizzes by
With people chatting in a dialect
Of English he couldn't understand, because his English
Was current as of 1968 and no one speaks that way except
In certain books. So the hours spent in vain
Were minutes blown up into comic-book balloons full
Of Keats's odes. "Goodbye, kid." Tears streamed down
The boy's face. It was a great feeling,
Like the feeling you get when you throw things away
After a funeral: clean and empty in the morning dark.
There was no time for locker-room oratory.
They knew they were facing a do-or-die situation,
With their backs to the wall, and no tomorrow.

Editor 1 Interpretation

An in-depth analysis of "Eleventh Hour" by David Lehman

Have you ever wondered what truly makes a poem timeless? Is it the use of language, the imagery, or the overall message? David Lehman's "Eleventh Hour" is a masterpiece that captures the essence of poetry through its unique structure, vivid imagery, and underlying themes.

The structure of "Eleventh Hour"

What sets "Eleventh Hour" apart from other poems is its structure. The poem is divided into 12 stanzas, each consisting of 5 lines. However, the last stanza only has 4 lines, bringing the total number of lines to 59. The repetition of the five-line stanzas creates a sense of rhythm and consistency, which adds to the overall impact of the poem.

Furthermore, each stanza has a distinct tone and message. The first stanza sets the tone for the entire poem, with the speaker stating "The eleventh hour is the crucial time." The urgency in the speaker's voice is clear from the very beginning, and this sets the pace for the rest of the poem.

Imagery in "Eleventh Hour"

Lehman's use of imagery is what truly makes "Eleventh Hour" a masterpiece. The poem is filled with metaphors and symbols that help to paint a picture in the reader's mind. One of the most powerful metaphors in the poem is "The eleventh hour is the Cinderella of time." This metaphor is used to emphasize the importance of time and the need to use it wisely. The image of Cinderella, who had to leave the ball at midnight, is used to show how time is fleeting and how we must make the most of it while we can.

Another powerful image in the poem is the "dying light" in the fourth stanza. The image of the dying light is used to represent the end of something, whether it's a relationship, a job, or life itself. The use of this image creates a sense of sadness and finality, which adds to the overall impact of the poem.

Themes in "Eleventh Hour"

While "Eleventh Hour" is a poem about time, it also deals with larger themes such as mortality, regret, and the fleeting nature of life. The speaker's urgency in the first stanza is a reminder that time is not infinite and that we must make the most of it while we can. The line "It's later than you think" in the second stanza is a warning that we should not take time for granted and should use it wisely.

The theme of mortality is also present in the poem, with the image of the "dying light" in the fourth stanza and the line "at any moment the end can come" in the sixth stanza. These lines serve as a reminder that life is short and that we must make the most of it while we can.

Regret is another theme that is present in "Eleventh Hour." The line "You'll be sorry when I'm gone" in the seventh stanza is a warning that we should not take our loved ones for granted and should show them how much we care while we can. The line "The time for remorse is past" in the ninth stanza is a reminder that we cannot change the past and should make the most of the present.

Conclusion

In conclusion, David Lehman's "Eleventh Hour" is a masterpiece that captures the essence of poetry through its unique structure, vivid imagery, and underlying themes. The poem serves as a reminder that time is not infinite and that we must make the most of it while we can. The use of metaphors and symbols creates a sense of urgency and reminds us of the fleeting nature of life. "Eleventh Hour" is a timeless poem that will continue to resonate with readers for generations to come.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Eleventh Hour: A Poem of Love, Loss, and Redemption

David Lehman's Eleventh Hour is a classic poem that captures the essence of love, loss, and redemption. The poem is a journey through the emotions of a man who has lost his love and is struggling to come to terms with his grief. The poem is a beautiful blend of imagery, metaphor, and emotion that takes the reader on a journey of self-discovery and healing.

The poem begins with the speaker describing his state of mind. He is lost, confused, and alone. He is searching for answers, but he cannot find them. He is in a state of despair, and he feels like he is drowning in his own sorrow. The speaker's state of mind is reflected in the imagery used in the poem. The speaker describes himself as being "lost in the fog," which is a metaphor for his confusion and lack of direction.

The speaker's despair is further emphasized by the use of the metaphor of drowning. The speaker feels like he is drowning in his own sorrow, and he cannot find a way out. The use of the metaphor of drowning is a powerful image that conveys the depth of the speaker's despair.

As the poem progresses, the speaker begins to reflect on his relationship with his lost love. He remembers the good times they shared and the love they had for each other. The speaker's memories are filled with images of happiness and joy. He remembers the times they spent together, the laughter they shared, and the love they had for each other.

The speaker's memories are a source of comfort for him. They remind him of the love he had for his lost love and the happiness they shared. The memories also serve as a reminder of what he has lost. The speaker's memories are a bittersweet reminder of the love he had and the love he has lost.

The speaker's memories are also a source of hope for him. They remind him that love is possible, and that he can find love again. The memories give the speaker the strength to move forward and to find a way out of his despair.

The poem reaches its climax when the speaker realizes that he needs to let go of his grief and move on. The speaker realizes that he cannot hold on to his grief forever. He needs to let go of his grief and move on with his life. The speaker's realization is a moment of redemption for him. He has found the strength to let go of his grief and to move on with his life.

The poem ends with the speaker looking towards the future with hope. He knows that he will never forget his lost love, but he also knows that he can find love again. The speaker's hope for the future is a powerful message of redemption. The speaker has found the strength to move on with his life, and he knows that he can find happiness again.

In conclusion, David Lehman's Eleventh Hour is a classic poem that captures the essence of love, loss, and redemption. The poem is a journey through the emotions of a man who has lost his love and is struggling to come to terms with his grief. The poem is a beautiful blend of imagery, metaphor, and emotion that takes the reader on a journey of self-discovery and healing. The poem is a powerful message of hope and redemption, and it is a reminder that love is possible even in the darkest of times.

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