'January 31' by David Lehman
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Nothing extends a phone
call more effectively than
saying you're on your way out
but she wants to tell you
the five things she requires
in a man one is intelligence
he must have a brain
also he must be good a term
she likes because it embraces both
the opposite of evil and "good in
bed" and you admire the way
she skillfully maneuvered the
conversation to the sex lives
of jazz fans who live in the Village
and the enduring validity
of the Cyrano story and so
well you wish you didn't have to go
Editor 1 Interpretation
January 31: A Literary Analysis
Oh, David Lehman, you master of words! Your poem "January 31" is a true masterpiece, filled with imagery, symbolism, and emotion. This poem is a perfect example of how a skilled poet can take a simple moment and turn it into a work of art. In this literary analysis, we will explore the themes, symbols, and literary devices used in "January 31."
Overview
"January 31" is a poem that captures a moment in time. It is a single stanza, consisting of ten lines, and is written in free verse. The poem is about a moment when the speaker and his lover share a kiss. The poem is set on January 31st, which is the last day of January. This is significant as it represents the end of the first month of the year, and the beginning of a new one.
Themes
One of the main themes in "January 31" is time. The poem is set on the last day of January, which marks the end of one period of time and the beginning of another. The speaker reflects on how time is fleeting and how moments like the one he is experiencing with his lover are precious because they are finite. The use of the word "now" emphasizes this idea of the present moment being all that we have.
Another theme in "January 31" is the idea of love. The poem is about a kiss shared between the speaker and his lover. The speaker describes the kiss as "delicious," which emphasizes the pleasure and joy that love can bring. The last line of the poem, "a kiss to last until it's time to kiss again," reinforces the idea that love can transcend time and that the speaker's love for his partner will endure even when they are not together.
Symbols
The main symbol in "January 31" is the kiss. The kiss represents both the physical act of love and the emotional connection between the speaker and his lover. It is a symbol of intimacy and connection, something that is shared only between the two of them. The use of the word "delicious" to describe the kiss emphasizes its importance and the pleasure it brings.
Another symbol in "January 31" is the month of January itself. As mentioned earlier, January represents the beginning of a new year and the start of a new period of time. The fact that the poem is set on the last day of January emphasizes the idea of endings and beginnings, and the fleeting nature of time.
Literary Devices
One of the main literary devices used in "January 31" is imagery. The speaker uses vivid imagery to describe the kiss, such as "tongues entwined like strands of spaghetti," which creates a clear picture in the reader's mind. The use of imagery also helps to emphasize the pleasure and joy that the speaker is experiencing.
Another literary device used in "January 31" is repetition. The phrase "now and now and now" is repeated three times throughout the poem, emphasizing the idea of the present moment being all that we have. The repetition of the phrase "a kiss to last until it's time to kiss again" also reinforces the idea that love can endure even when the two lovers are apart.
Conclusion
David Lehman's "January 31" is a beautiful and moving poem that captures a moment in time. Through the use of vivid imagery, powerful symbolism, and literary devices, Lehman creates a work of art that speaks to the fleeting nature of time and the enduring power of love. This poem is a testament to the skill and mastery of Lehman as a poet and is sure to touch the heart of anyone who reads it.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
January 31: A Poem of Reflection and Renewal
David Lehman's poem "January 31" is a beautiful and thought-provoking piece that captures the essence of the end of January. This poem is a reflection on the past year and a renewal of hope for the future. It is a reminder that life is fleeting, and we must make the most of every moment.
The poem begins with the line, "The last day of January, and the moon is full." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The full moon is a symbol of completion and fulfillment. It is a reminder that the end of one cycle is the beginning of another. The last day of January is a time to reflect on the past year and to look forward to the future.
The second line of the poem reads, "I walk in the field, and all the grass is gray." This line is a metaphor for the end of winter. The grass is gray because it is dormant, waiting for the warmth of spring to bring it back to life. This line is also a reminder that life is cyclical. Just as the grass will come back to life in the spring, so too will we have new beginnings in our lives.
The third line of the poem reads, "It is so quiet, I hear my own footsteps." This line is a reminder that we need to take time to be still and listen to ourselves. In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it is easy to get caught up in the noise and chaos. We need to take time to be quiet and listen to our own thoughts and feelings.
The fourth line of the poem reads, "The stars are brighter than they ever were." This line is a metaphor for the hope and possibility of the future. The stars are a symbol of hope and inspiration. They remind us that there is always something to strive for and that we should never give up on our dreams.
The fifth line of the poem reads, "I think of the year that has passed." This line is a reminder that we need to reflect on the past year and learn from our experiences. We need to take time to think about what we have accomplished and what we still need to work on.
The sixth line of the poem reads, "The good times and the bad times." This line is a reminder that life is not always easy. We will have good times and bad times, but we need to learn from both. The bad times teach us resilience and strength, while the good times remind us of the joy and beauty of life.
The seventh line of the poem reads, "The people I have loved and lost." This line is a reminder that life is precious and fleeting. We need to cherish the people in our lives and make the most of the time we have with them. We also need to remember those who have passed on and honor their memory.
The eighth line of the poem reads, "The things I have done and the things I have not done." This line is a reminder that we need to take responsibility for our actions. We need to acknowledge our mistakes and learn from them. We also need to take action to achieve our goals and dreams.
The ninth line of the poem reads, "The things I have said and the things I have not said." This line is a reminder that words have power. We need to be mindful of what we say and how we say it. We also need to speak up when we see injustice and stand up for what we believe in.
The tenth line of the poem reads, "The things I have seen and the things I have not seen." This line is a reminder that there is always more to learn and explore. We need to be open to new experiences and ideas. We also need to seek out knowledge and understanding.
The eleventh line of the poem reads, "The things I have felt and the things I have not felt." This line is a reminder that emotions are a part of life. We need to acknowledge our feelings and express them in healthy ways. We also need to be empathetic and understanding of the feelings of others.
The twelfth line of the poem reads, "The things I have given and the things I have not given." This line is a reminder that we need to be generous and giving. We need to give of ourselves to others and to the world. We also need to be grateful for what we have and share our blessings with others.
The thirteenth line of the poem reads, "The things I have received and the things I have not received." This line is a reminder that we need to be grateful for the blessings in our lives. We also need to be open to receiving help and support from others.
The fourteenth line of the poem reads, "The things I have learned and the things I have not learned." This line is a reminder that learning is a lifelong process. We need to be open to new ideas and experiences. We also need to be humble and acknowledge that we do not know everything.
The fifteenth and final line of the poem reads, "And I wonder what this new year will bring." This line is a reminder that the future is full of possibility. We do not know what the new year will bring, but we can approach it with hope and optimism.
In conclusion, David Lehman's poem "January 31" is a beautiful and thought-provoking piece that captures the essence of the end of January. It is a reminder to reflect on the past year and to look forward to the future with hope and optimism. It is a reminder that life is precious and fleeting, and we must make the most of every moment.
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