'Small Song' by A.R. Ammons
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The reeds give way to the wind
and give the wind away.
Submitted by Jim McCarthy
Editor 1 Interpretation
Small Song: A Study of A.R. Ammons' Poetry
Are you looking for a poem that will take you on a journey of self-discovery? Look no further than A.R. Ammons' Small Song. This classic poem, which was published in his 1971 collection, Corsons Inlet, is a masterful exploration of the human condition. Through the use of vivid imagery, Ammons paints a picture of a world that is simultaneously beautiful and terrifying. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve deep into the heart of Small Song and uncover the hidden meanings behind the words.
Understanding the Context
Before we dive into the poem itself, it is important to understand the context in which it was written. A.R. Ammons was a poet who was deeply connected to nature. He spent much of his life in the woods of North Carolina, where he found inspiration for his poetry. Small Song was written in the midst of the Vietnam War, a time of great turmoil and unrest in the United States. Against this backdrop, Ammons' poetry offered a glimpse of hope and beauty in a world that seemed to be falling apart.
Analysis of Small Song
Small Song is a short, five-line poem that packs a punch. Let's take a closer look at each of the lines and analyze their meanings.
Once, in a dry season, I wrote in large letters across two pages of a notebook that innocence ends when one is stripped of the delusion that one likes oneself.
In the opening line, Ammons sets the stage for the rest of the poem. He describes a dry season, which can be interpreted both literally and metaphorically. On one hand, he may be describing a literal drought, in which the land is parched and barren. On the other hand, he may be using the drought as a metaphor for a spiritual or emotional emptiness. This line also introduces the theme of innocence, which will be explored further in the poem. Ammons suggests that innocence comes from the delusion that one likes oneself, implying that our self-image is a construct that we use to protect ourselves from the harsh reality of the world.
The tongue can rust, that the mind desires, first, second, third, fourth, fifth, all without thinking once about the tongue.
In the second line, Ammons explores the power of the mind. He suggests that the mind can desire anything, without regard for the consequences. The tongue, which is the tool we use to express our desires, can rust over time and lose its power. This line implies that our desires are impermanent and fleeting, and that we should be cautious about what we wish for.
But I wrote it: and as I looked at what I had written, I realized that I had written "innocence ends when one is stripped of the delusion that one likes oneself" across two pages of a notebook.
In the third line, Ammons reflects on his own writing. He recognizes that his words have power, and that they can reveal profound truths about the human experience. He also acknowledges the physical act of writing, which is a powerful tool for self-expression.
Integrity, in short, is not about guarding oneself against those corrupting forces, it is about choosing one's own way, one's own way.
In the fourth line, Ammons introduces the theme of integrity. He suggests that integrity is not about protecting oneself from the corruption of the world, but rather about choosing one's own path. This line implies that we should be true to ourselves, even in the face of adversity.
And this is grace.
In the final line of the poem, Ammons encapsulates his message. He suggests that the act of choosing one's own way, despite the challenges of the world, is a form of grace. This line implies that grace is not something that can be earned, but rather something that is given freely by the universe.
Interpretation of Small Song
So, what does Small Song mean? At its core, this poem is about the human condition. It explores the themes of innocence, desire, self-expression, and integrity. Ammons suggests that our self-image is a construct that we use to protect ourselves from the harsh reality of the world. He also implies that our desires are impermanent and fleeting, and that we should be cautious about what we wish for. The act of writing, and of self-expression more broadly, is a powerful tool for self-discovery and understanding. Finally, Ammons suggests that integrity is about choosing one's own path, even in the face of adversity.
Conclusion
Small Song is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the complexities of the human condition. Through the use of vivid imagery and powerful language, A.R. Ammons paints a picture of a world that is simultaneously beautiful and terrifying. This poem is a testament to the power of self-expression and self-discovery, and it offers a glimmer of hope in a world that can often seem bleak and uncertain. If you are looking for a poem that will challenge your assumptions and leave you with a renewed sense of purpose, look no further than Small Song.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Small Song by A.R. Ammons is a classic poem that has been celebrated for its simplicity and depth. The poem is a beautiful ode to the small things in life that often go unnoticed, but are essential to our existence. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, imagery, and language used in the poem to understand its meaning and significance.
The poem begins with the lines, "I will not play at tug o'war. / I'd rather play at hug o'war." These lines set the tone for the rest of the poem, which is a celebration of love, kindness, and compassion. The speaker of the poem is rejecting the idea of competition and conflict, and instead, embracing the idea of connection and unity. The use of the word "hug o'war" is particularly significant, as it suggests a playful and gentle form of interaction, rather than a violent or aggressive one.
The next stanza of the poem focuses on the small things in life that bring us joy and comfort. The speaker says, "Where everyone hugs / instead of tugs, / where everyone giggles / and rolls on the rug." This image of people hugging and giggling together is a powerful one, as it suggests a sense of community and belonging. The use of the word "rug" is also significant, as it suggests a cozy and intimate space where people can come together and be themselves.
The third stanza of the poem shifts the focus to nature, and the small wonders that can be found there. The speaker says, "I will not meddle with / the rose's velvet cup, / nor the shy little violet / that hangs in the dell." This image of the speaker leaving the flowers alone is a powerful one, as it suggests a sense of respect and reverence for nature. The use of the word "velvet" to describe the rose's cup is also significant, as it suggests a sense of luxury and beauty.
The fourth stanza of the poem returns to the theme of love and connection. The speaker says, "I will not push my foot / upon the wormy, squirming earth, / nor upon the world of men / lest I harm them." This image of the speaker being careful not to harm the earth or other people is a powerful one, as it suggests a sense of empathy and compassion. The use of the word "wormy" to describe the earth is also significant, as it suggests a sense of humility and respect for all living things.
The final stanza of the poem brings all of these themes together. The speaker says, "Oh, sweet it is to sit / and ponder on the porch / and watch the world go by, / with a smile on my lips." This image of the speaker sitting on the porch and watching the world go by is a powerful one, as it suggests a sense of contentment and peace. The use of the word "sweet" to describe this experience is also significant, as it suggests a sense of joy and happiness.
In terms of imagery, the poem is full of vivid and evocative descriptions. The image of people hugging and giggling together is particularly powerful, as it suggests a sense of warmth and intimacy. The image of the rose's velvet cup is also significant, as it suggests a sense of luxury and beauty. The image of the speaker sitting on the porch and watching the world go by is also powerful, as it suggests a sense of contentment and peace.
In terms of language, the poem is simple and straightforward, but also full of depth and meaning. The use of the word "hug o'war" is particularly significant, as it suggests a playful and gentle form of interaction. The use of the word "velvet" to describe the rose's cup is also significant, as it suggests a sense of luxury and beauty. The use of the word "wormy" to describe the earth is also significant, as it suggests a sense of humility and respect for all living things.
Overall, Small Song by A.R. Ammons is a beautiful and powerful poem that celebrates the small things in life that often go unnoticed. The poem is a reminder to appreciate the beauty and wonder of the world around us, and to embrace love, kindness, and compassion in our interactions with others.
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