'Thinking For Berky' by William Stafford


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In the late night listening from bed
I have joined the ambulance or the patrol
screaming toward some drama, the kind of end
that Berky must have some day, if she isn't dead.

The wildest of all, her father and mother cruel,
farming out there beyond the old stone quarry
where highschool lovers parked their lurching cars,
Berky learned to love in that dark school.

Early her face was turned away from home
toward any hardworking place; but still her soul,
with terrible things to do, was alive, looking out
for the rescue that--surely, some day--would have to come.

Windiest nights, Berky, I have thought for you,
and no matter how lucky I've been I've touched wood.
There are things not solved in our town though tomorrow came:
there are things time passing can never make come true.

We live in an occupied country, misunderstood;
justice will take us millions of intricate moves.
Sirens wil hunt down Berky, you survivors in your beds
listening through the night, so far and good.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Thinking For Berky: A Poem of Contemplation

By William Stafford

Have you ever stumbled upon a poem that has made you pause, think, and re-think? A poem that has made you question your own existence and the very fabric of the world around you? William Stafford's "Thinking For Berky" is one such poem. The poem is a reflection of the speaker's thoughts as he watches a dog named Berky sleep. The poem is simple, yet profound, and it leaves a profound impact on the reader's mind. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will explore the meaning of this poem, its structure and form, and its relevance to our lives today.

The Structure and Form of Thinking For Berky

At first glance, "Thinking For Berky" appears to be a free-verse poem with no rhyme scheme or meter. However, on closer examination, we can see a careful structure in the poem that adds a layer of meaning and depth to the text.

The poem is composed of 12 stanzas, each with three lines. The first line of each stanza is indented, which creates a visual pattern that mirrors the rhythmic pattern of the poem. The use of enjambment in each stanza creates a sense of fluidity and continuity between the lines. The poem is written in the first person, which gives it a personal and introspective tone.

The speaker uses simple language and vivid imagery to create a visual and emotional picture of Berky sleeping. The poem has a conversational tone, almost as if the speaker is talking to himself as he watches Berky sleep. The use of the present tense in the poem creates a sense of immediacy and presence, as if the speaker is experiencing the moment as he speaks.

The Meaning of Thinking For Berky

The poem begins with the speaker watching Berky sleep and contemplating the meaning of life. The speaker is struck by the simplicity and innocence of the sleeping dog and wonders if Berky has any thoughts or worries. The speaker then reflects on the complexities of human life and the burden of consciousness.

The poem becomes more introspective as the speaker contemplates his own existence and the meaning of his life. He questions whether he is living his life to the fullest and whether he will be remembered after he is gone. The speaker then reflects on the transience of life and the inevitability of death.

The final stanza of the poem is a reflection on the fleeting nature of time and the importance of living in the moment. The speaker realizes that life is short and that it is important to appreciate the beauty of the world around us while we still can. The poem ends with the speaker acknowledging the profound impact that Berky's simple existence has had on his own thoughts and perceptions.

The Relevance of Thinking For Berky Today

Thinking For Berky was written in 1960, but its message is just as relevant today as it was then. In today's fast-paced and stressful world, it is easy to get caught up in the complexities of our lives and forget to appreciate the simple things. The poem reminds us to take a step back and appreciate the beauty of the world around us.

The poem also highlights the importance of mindfulness and living in the moment. In a world where we are constantly bombarded with distractions and stimuli, it is easy to lose sight of what is important. The poem is a reminder to be present and to appreciate the fleeting moments of life.

The poem also touches on the universal themes of mortality and the meaning of life. These are questions that have been asked by philosophers and poets for centuries, and they are just as relevant today as they were then. The poem encourages us to reflect on these questions and to find our own answers.

Conclusion

William Stafford's "Thinking For Berky" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the complexities of human existence. The poem is deceptively simple, yet it contains a depth of meaning that leaves a lasting impact on the reader. The use of vivid imagery, introspective language, and carefully crafted structure creates a visual and emotional picture of Berky sleeping and the speaker's thoughts as he contemplates the meaning of life.

The poem is a reminder to appreciate the beauty of the world around us and to live in the moment. It is also a reflection on the universal themes of mortality and the meaning of life. The poem leaves us with a sense of awe and wonder at the mysteries of existence and the profound impact that even the simplest of things can have on our lives.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Thinking for Berky: A Poem of Reflection and Connection

William Stafford’s poem “Thinking for Berky” is a beautiful and thought-provoking piece that explores the themes of connection, reflection, and the power of thought. The poem is a tribute to Berky, a dog that Stafford had as a companion for many years. Through his reflections on Berky’s life and his own experiences with the dog, Stafford invites readers to consider the importance of our relationships with animals and the ways in which they can help us to connect with the world around us.

The poem begins with Stafford reflecting on Berky’s life and the way in which the dog experienced the world. He notes that Berky “had a lower jaw / that jutted out” and that he “walked like he was / wearing stilts” (lines 1-4). These physical characteristics set Berky apart from other dogs and made him unique. However, Stafford suggests that Berky’s differences did not define him. Instead, he was defined by his ability to connect with the world around him. Stafford writes, “He was part shepherd, part / some other breeds too, / but mostly just himself” (lines 5-7). This line suggests that Berky was not defined by his breed or physical characteristics, but rather by his individuality and his ability to be himself.

Stafford goes on to describe Berky’s experiences in the world, noting that the dog “liked to chase rabbits” and “would come back tired / and content” (lines 8-10). These simple pleasures were enough to make Berky happy, and Stafford suggests that we can learn from this. He writes, “He didn’t need therapy, / he just needed to run” (lines 11-12). This line suggests that sometimes the simplest things in life can bring us the most joy and that we don’t always need complicated solutions to our problems.

As the poem progresses, Stafford reflects on his own experiences with Berky and the ways in which the dog helped him to connect with the world around him. He writes, “When he died, all the people / of the town were sorry” (lines 13-14). This line suggests that Berky was not just a pet, but a member of the community. His presence had touched the lives of those around him, and his absence was felt deeply.

Stafford goes on to describe the way in which Berky helped him to connect with nature. He writes, “I was walking through a forest / one morning, summer air / around me, birdsong everywhere” (lines 15-17). In this moment, Stafford is surrounded by the beauty of nature, but he is also alone. However, he is not truly alone, as Berky is with him in spirit. Stafford writes, “I saw him coming, / his tail up like a flag / of welcome” (lines 18-20). In this moment, Stafford is able to connect with Berky and the natural world in a way that is both profound and meaningful.

The poem concludes with Stafford reflecting on the power of thought and the ways in which our thoughts can shape our experiences. He writes, “Thinking of Berky, / I think of him alive” (lines 21-22). This line suggests that even though Berky is no longer physically present, he lives on in Stafford’s thoughts and memories. Stafford goes on to suggest that our thoughts have the power to shape our experiences. He writes, “I think of him alive, and young again, / and running in a field” (lines 23-24). In this moment, Stafford is able to connect with Berky and experience the joy of his presence once again.

Overall, “Thinking for Berky” is a beautiful and thought-provoking poem that explores the themes of connection, reflection, and the power of thought. Through his reflections on Berky’s life and his own experiences with the dog, Stafford invites readers to consider the importance of our relationships with animals and the ways in which they can help us to connect with the world around us. The poem is a tribute to Berky and a reminder that even though our loved ones may no longer be physically present, they live on in our thoughts and memories.

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