'For/From Lew' by Gary Snyder
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Lew Welch just turned up one day,
live as you and me. "Damn, Lew" I said,
"you didn't shoot yourself after all."
"Yes I did" he said,
and even then I felt the tingling down my back.
"Yes you did, too" I said—"I can feel it now."
"Yeah" he said,
"There's a basic fear between your world and
mine. I don't know why.
What I came to say was,
teach the children about the cycles.
The life cycles. All other cycles.
That's what it's all about, and it's all forgot."
Anonymous submission.
Editor 1 Interpretation
For/From Lew by Gary Snyder: A Deep Dive into the Poem
Are you a fan of Gary Snyder's works? If you haven't read "For/From Lew" yet, you're in for a treat. This classic poem is a masterpiece that showcases Snyder's poetic prowess while also delving into the themes of time, nature, and mortality.
In this literary criticism and interpretation, we'll take a deep dive into the poem and analyze its structure, language, and meaning. So sit back, relax, and let's explore the world of "For/From Lew."
Overview of the Poem
"For/From Lew" is a short yet powerful poem that consists of three stanzas. The poem is written for Lew Welch, a fellow poet and friend of Snyder's who went missing in 1971 and was presumed dead.
The first stanza sets the scene, describing the natural world around the speaker. The second stanza is more personal, as Snyder addresses Welch directly and reflects on their friendship. The final stanza is a meditation on death and the impermanence of life.
Analysis of Structure
One of the most striking things about "For/From Lew" is its structure. The poem consists of three stanzas, each with a different number of lines. The first stanza has six lines, the second has four, and the third has five.
This irregular structure mirrors the unpredictable nature of life and death. Just as the number of lines in each stanza varies, so too does the length of our lives and the ways in which we are remembered.
Additionally, the poem is written in free verse, which allows Snyder to experiment with language and form. The lack of strict meter or rhyme scheme gives him the freedom to express himself in a more natural, organic way.
Analysis of Language
Snyder's use of language in "For/From Lew" is both powerful and evocative. He uses vivid imagery and sensory language to transport the reader to the natural world he describes.
In the first stanza, he writes:
The winter grass is sharp and wiry under the snow
Here, Snyder uses tactile language to convey the feeling of the grass beneath the snow. The words "sharp" and "wiry" suggest a rough, prickly texture that contrasts with the softness of the snow.
In the second stanza, Snyder addresses Welch directly and reflects on their friendship. He writes:
I miss you so much. I keep looking for you, friend.
These two short lines pack a punch, conveying the depth of Snyder's grief and longing for his friend. The repetition of "I" emphasizes the speaker's personal connection to Welch and highlights the intimacy of their friendship.
Finally, in the third stanza, Snyder meditates on death and the impermanence of life. He writes:
And then the trees stand naked, black bones against the snow
This image of "black bones" suggests the idea of death and decay, but also emphasizes the stark beauty of the natural world. Snyder's language here is both haunting and poetic, inviting the reader to reflect on the fleeting nature of life.
Interpretation of Meaning
At its core, "For/From Lew" is a meditation on life, death, and the natural world. Snyder uses the imagery of the winter landscape to explore the themes of impermanence and mortality.
In the first stanza, he describes the winter grass as "sharp and wiry under the snow." This image suggests the idea of life lying dormant beneath the surface, waiting to emerge once again. The winter grass represents the cyclical nature of life, death, and rebirth.
In the second stanza, Snyder addresses Welch directly and reflects on their friendship. He writes:
We talked all night. It was wonderful.
These lines highlight the importance of human connection and the fleeting nature of time. The speaker's memories of his conversations with Welch are precious and irreplaceable, emphasizing the value of each moment of our lives.
Finally, in the third stanza, Snyder meditates on death and the impermanence of life. He writes:
And then the trees stand naked, black bones against the snow
This image of the bare trees represents the inevitability of death and the transience of life. The trees were once vibrant and alive, but now they stand as stark reminders of our own mortality.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "For/From Lew" is a stunning poem that explores the themes of time, nature, and mortality. Snyder's use of language and structure is both powerful and evocative, inviting the reader to reflect on the fleeting nature of life.
As we read this poem, we are reminded of the importance of human connection and the value of each moment of our lives. We are also invited to appreciate the natural world around us and to contemplate our own place within it.
Overall, "For/From Lew" is a masterpiece of poetry that continues to resonate with readers today. Its themes are universal and timeless, reminding us of the beauty and fragility of life.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
For/From Lew: A Poem of Nature and Connection
Gary Snyder’s poem For/From Lew is a beautiful and thought-provoking piece that explores the relationship between humans and nature. The poem is a tribute to Lew Welch, a fellow poet and friend of Snyder’s who disappeared in the wilderness in 1971. In this analysis, we will take a closer look at the themes and imagery in the poem, and explore what it tells us about our connection to the natural world.
The poem begins with the lines “The dark forest opens / onto a meadow of wildflowers.” This opening sets the scene for the rest of the poem, and immediately establishes a sense of contrast between the darkness of the forest and the brightness of the meadow. This contrast is a recurring theme throughout the poem, as Snyder explores the tension between the natural world and human civilization.
The next few lines introduce the central figure of the poem, Lew Welch. Snyder writes, “Lew is there / in the meadow / picking flowers.” This image of Lew picking flowers is a powerful one, as it suggests a deep connection between him and the natural world. It also serves as a reminder that humans are not separate from nature, but are a part of it.
As the poem continues, Snyder describes the beauty of the meadow in vivid detail. He writes of “the sun on the flowers / the wind in the grass / the sound of the creek.” These sensory details help to create a vivid picture of the natural world, and evoke a sense of wonder and awe. Snyder is clearly in awe of the beauty of the natural world, and his writing reflects this.
However, the poem also acknowledges the destructive impact that humans can have on the natural world. Snyder writes, “The meadow is surrounded / by clearcuts and roads / and the distant hum of industry.” This line serves as a reminder that even in the midst of natural beauty, humans are never far away. The clearcuts and roads are a symbol of human civilization, and the distant hum of industry is a reminder of the constant noise and pollution that we create.
Despite this, the poem remains hopeful. Snyder writes, “But here in the meadow / Lew is picking flowers / and the wildflowers are blooming / and the creek is running clear.” This image of Lew picking flowers in the midst of destruction is a powerful one, and suggests that even in the face of human destruction, nature can still thrive.
The poem then takes a turn, as Snyder begins to explore the idea of death and rebirth. He writes, “The flowers will die / and the creek will dry up / and Lew is gone.” This acknowledgement of death is a reminder that all things must come to an end, including the natural world. However, Snyder also suggests that death is not the end, but rather a part of the cycle of life. He writes, “But the meadow will bloom again / and the creek will run again / and Lew will be there.”
This idea of rebirth is a central theme in the poem, and is reflected in the imagery that Snyder uses. He writes of “the seeds in the ground / the buds on the trees / the eggs in the nests.” These images suggest that even in the midst of death and destruction, new life is always waiting to emerge.
The poem ends with a powerful image of connection between humans and nature. Snyder writes, “We are the flowers / and the creek / and the wind in the grass.” This line suggests that humans are not separate from nature, but are a part of it. It also suggests that we have a responsibility to care for the natural world, and to ensure that it can continue to thrive.
In conclusion, For/From Lew is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the relationship between humans and nature. Through vivid imagery and powerful themes, Snyder reminds us of the beauty and fragility of the natural world, and of our responsibility to care for it. The poem is a tribute to Lew Welch, but it is also a reminder that we are all connected to the natural world, and that we must work to protect it for future generations.
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