'The Farewell' by Edward Field


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They say the ice will hold
so there I go,
forced to believe them by my act of trusting people,
stepping out on it,

and naturally it gaps open
and I, forced to carry on coolly
by my act of being imperturbable,
slide erectly into the water wearing my captain's helmet,
waving to the shore with a sad smile,
"Goodbye my darlings, goodbye dear one,"
as the ice meets again over my head with a click.

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Farewell by Edward Field: A Masterpiece of Poetic Expression

Have you ever read a poem that has left you speechless, that has resonated with you and touched you in ways you never thought possible? The Farewell by Edward Field is one such poem.

At first glance, The Farewell appears to be a simple love poem, but upon closer examination, it reveals itself to be a carefully crafted masterpiece of poetic expression that explores the complexities of human emotions and the inevitability of change and loss.

A Brief Overview of The Farewell

The Farewell is a poem about a speaker bidding farewell to a lover who is leaving them to pursue their dreams. The speaker expresses their love for the departing lover and the pain that they feel at having to say goodbye.

The poem is divided into three stanzas, each with its own distinct mood and tone. In the first stanza, the speaker sets the scene, describing the setting in which the farewell is taking place. In the second stanza, the speaker expresses their emotions, and in the third stanza, the speaker reflects on the nature of change and loss.

The Poem's Structure

The Farewell is written in free verse, which allows Field to use language in a way that is both natural and evocative. The poem is divided into three stanzas of varying length, with the first and third stanzas being longer than the second.

The stanzas are not structured in a consistent rhyme scheme, which gives the poem a sense of spontaneity and allows Field to express himself without being constrained by form.

The Poem's Themes

One of the central themes of The Farewell is the pain of separation and the inevitability of change. The speaker in the poem is faced with the reality that their lover is leaving them, and they express their sadness and sense of loss.

Field also explores the theme of love and the power that it has to both uplift and devastate. The speaker's love for their departing lover is palpable in the poem, and Field uses language in a way that captures the intensity of their emotions.

Finally, the poem also deals with the theme of time, and the way that it moves inexorably forward, bringing change and loss. The speaker reflects on the nature of time and the way that it changes our lives, and the lives of those around us.

Poetic Techniques

Field's use of language in The Farewell is masterful, and he employs a range of poetic techniques to create a sense of depth and meaning in the poem.

One of the most striking techniques that Field uses is imagery. The poem is full of evocative descriptions of the setting, the speaker's emotions, and the nature of change and loss. For example, in the first stanza, Field uses imagery to describe the "broad river" and the "silver mist" that hangs over the water.

Field also uses metaphor to great effect in the poem. In the second stanza, the speaker compares their love for their departing lover to a "wild bird" that has been "tamed" by their affection. This metaphor perfectly captures the intensity and complexity of the speaker's emotions.

Finally, Field uses repetition to create a sense of rhythm and momentum in the poem. The repetition of the phrase "I loved you" in the second stanza emphasizes the depth of the speaker's feelings and creates a sense of urgency and intensity.

Interpretation

The Farewell is a deeply moving and powerful poem that explores the complexities of human emotions and the inevitability of change and loss. Field's use of language and poetic techniques creates a sense of depth and meaning in the poem that is both evocative and profound.

At its core, The Farewell is a poem about the power of love and the pain of separation. The speaker's love for their departing lover is palpable in the poem, and Field uses language in a way that captures the intensity of their emotions.

However, the poem is not just a simple love poem. It also deals with the theme of time and the way that it changes our lives. The speaker reflects on the nature of time and the way that it brings change and loss, and they come to accept that their lover's departure is a natural part of this process.

In conclusion, The Farewell is a masterpiece of poetic expression that has the power to move and touch readers in profound ways. Whether you are a lover of poetry or simply appreciate great writing, this is a poem that is not to be missed.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The Farewell by Edward Field is a classic poem that has been celebrated for its poignant and emotional portrayal of love and loss. The poem is a beautiful tribute to the power of love and the pain of separation, and it has resonated with readers for generations.

At its core, The Farewell is a love poem that tells the story of a couple who are forced to part ways. The poem is written in the form of a letter, with the speaker addressing his lover and bidding her farewell. The speaker is filled with a sense of sadness and longing as he contemplates the end of their relationship, and his words are filled with a sense of regret and sorrow.

One of the most striking aspects of The Farewell is the way in which it captures the complexity of human emotions. The speaker is torn between his love for his partner and his sense of duty and responsibility. He knows that he must leave her, but he cannot help but feel a sense of sadness and loss at the thought of being apart from her.

The poem is also notable for its use of imagery and symbolism. The speaker uses a variety of metaphors and symbols to convey his feelings, such as the image of the "long white road" that stretches out before him. This image represents the journey that he must undertake, and the uncertainty and fear that he feels as he sets out on this path.

Another powerful symbol in the poem is the image of the "red rose" that the speaker gives to his lover as a token of his love. This rose represents the beauty and fragility of their relationship, and the speaker's desire to hold onto it even as he knows that he must let it go.

Throughout the poem, the speaker's words are filled with a sense of longing and regret. He knows that he must leave his lover, but he cannot help but feel a sense of sadness and loss at the thought of being apart from her. He speaks of the "aching heart" that he feels, and the "tears that fall like rain" as he contemplates the end of their relationship.

Despite the sadness and pain that permeate the poem, there is also a sense of hope and resilience. The speaker acknowledges that their love will endure, even as they are separated by distance and time. He speaks of the "golden thread" that binds them together, and the "light that shines" even in the darkest moments.

Ultimately, The Farewell is a beautiful and moving tribute to the power of love and the pain of separation. It is a poem that speaks to the universal human experience of love and loss, and it has touched the hearts of readers for generations. Whether read as a love poem or a meditation on the human condition, The Farewell is a timeless work of art that will continue to inspire and move readers for years to come.

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