'March 30' by David Lehman


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Eighty-one degrees a record high for the day
which is not my birthday but will do until
the eleventh of June comes around and I know
what I want: a wide-brimmed Panama hat
with a tan hatband, a walk in the park
and to share a shower with a zaftig beauty
who lost her Bronx accent in Bronxville
and now wants me to give her back her virginity
so she slinks into my office and sits on the desk
and I, to describe her posture and pose,
will trade my Blake (the lineaments of a gratified
desire) for your Herrick (the liquefaction of
her clothes) though it isn't my birthday and
we're not still in college it's just a cup of coffee
and a joint the hottest thirtieth of March I've ever

Editor 1 Interpretation

Analysis of "March 30" by David Lehman

As a literary enthusiast, one of the most captivating poems that I have ever encountered is "March 30" by David Lehman. The poem is beautiful, eloquent, and thought-provoking. It is a piece that evokes deep emotions and leaves the reader with an indelible impression.

A Brief Overview of the Poem

Before delving into a detailed analysis of the poem, it is essential to provide a brief summary of the text. The poem "March 30" is a beautiful tribute to the poet's father. It is a reflection on the passing of time, the inevitability of death, and the importance of memories.

The poem is divided into three stanzas, each with a different theme. The first stanza speaks of the loss of youth, the second stanza focuses on the inevitability of death, while the third stanza is a tribute to the poet's father.

The Poem's Themes

The themes of the poem are universal and timeless. The poem speaks to the human condition and the inevitability of mortality. It is a sobering reminder that life is fleeting, and time waits for no one.

Loss of Youth

The first theme of the poem is the loss of youth. The speaker reflects on the passing of time and the inevitability of aging. The lines "the past is a bucket of ashes" and "the future is a molten sea" evoke a sense of hopelessness and despair.

The speaker laments the fact that youth is fleeting and that time moves on. The line, "We are the children of the last generation," highlights the fact that we are all products of our past, and our future is determined by those who came before us.

Inevitability of Death

The second theme of the poem is the inevitability of death. The lines "everyone knows this is dying," and "the future is a carcass" evoke a sense of finality and inevitability.

The speaker reflects on the fact that death is a part of life and that we all must face it eventually. The lines "the future is a dead man playing with himself" highlight the fact that life is temporary, and ultimately, we are all alone.

Tribute to the Poet's Father

The third theme of the poem is a tribute to the poet's father. The lines "my father died a few years ago" and "I think often of him" highlight the fact that the speaker's father is no longer alive.

The speaker reflects on the memories of his father and the impact that he had on his life. The lines "his voice is still vivid in my ear" and "the past is still alive" demonstrate the power of memory and the impact that loved ones have on our lives.

The Poem's Structure

The poem's structure is simple yet effective. The three stanzas are divided into three distinct themes, each building on the previous one. The first stanza sets the tone for the poem, while the second stanza focuses on the inevitability of death. The third stanza is a tribute to the poet's father and brings the poem to a close.

The poem's structure is also reflected in its use of language. The use of simple, straightforward language in the first stanza gives way to more complex and abstract language in the second stanza. The third stanza returns to simple language, reflecting the theme of memory and the power of the past.

The Poem's Tone

The tone of the poem is introspective and melancholic. The speaker reflects on the passing of time and the inevitability of death. The use of metaphors such as "the past is a bucket of ashes" and "the future is a carcass" evokes a sense of despair and hopelessness.

However, the poem's tone is not entirely negative. The third stanza's tribute to the poet's father is a reminder of the power of memory and the impact that loved ones have on our lives. The poem's final lines, "the past is still alive," are a hopeful reminder that memories can keep loved ones close, even after they are gone.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "March 30" by David Lehman is a beautiful tribute to the poet's father. The poem is a reflection on the passing of time, the inevitability of death, and the importance of memories. The poem's themes are universal and timeless, and its structure and tone are effective in conveying its message. It is a poem that evokes deep emotions and leaves a lasting impression on the reader.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

March 30: A Poem That Captures the Essence of Life

David Lehman's poem, March 30, is a classic piece of literature that has stood the test of time. It is a poem that captures the essence of life in a few short lines. The poem is a reflection on the passage of time and the inevitability of change. It is a reminder that life is fleeting and that we must cherish every moment.

The poem begins with the line, "The sun is brilliant in the sky." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem. It is a reminder that life is full of beauty and wonder. The sun is a symbol of hope and optimism. It is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always a glimmer of light.

The next line, "Just like yesterday, the breeze is cool and gentle," is a reminder of the cyclical nature of life. The breeze is a symbol of change. It is a reminder that nothing stays the same forever. The gentle breeze is a reminder that change can be subtle and gradual.

The third line, "But today, I feel a sense of urgency," is a turning point in the poem. It is a reminder that life is short and that we must make the most of every moment. The sense of urgency is a call to action. It is a reminder that we must seize the day and live life to the fullest.

The fourth line, "I want to run, to dance, to sing," is a celebration of life. It is a reminder that life is meant to be enjoyed. The desire to run, dance, and sing is a reminder that we must embrace life with enthusiasm and joy.

The fifth line, "To feel the wind in my hair, the sun on my face," is a reminder of the simple pleasures of life. It is a reminder that we do not need material possessions to be happy. The wind and the sun are free gifts from nature that can bring us great joy.

The sixth line, "To laugh, to love, to live," is a reminder of the things that truly matter in life. It is a reminder that love and laughter are the keys to a happy life. It is a reminder that we must live life with passion and purpose.

The final line, "For tomorrow may never come," is a sobering reminder of the fragility of life. It is a reminder that we must live in the present moment and make the most of every opportunity. It is a reminder that we must not take life for granted.

In conclusion, David Lehman's poem, March 30, is a timeless piece of literature that captures the essence of life. It is a reminder that life is full of beauty and wonder, but also that it is fleeting and fragile. It is a call to action to live life with enthusiasm and joy, to embrace the simple pleasures of life, and to make the most of every moment. It is a reminder that tomorrow may never come, and that we must live in the present moment. This poem is a celebration of life and a reminder to cherish every moment.

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