'Told' by Philip Levine
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The air lay soffly on the green furof the almond, it was Apriland I said, I begin againbut my hands burned in the damp earththe light ran between my fingersa black light like no otherthis was not home, the linnetsettling on the oleanderthe green pod swellingthe leaf slowly untwistingthe slashed egg fallen from the nestthe tongue of grass tastingI was being told by a pulse slowingin the eyesthe dove mourning in shadowa nerve waking in the grointhe distant hillsturning their white heads awaytold by the clouds assemblingin the trees, told by the bloomingof a black mouth beneath the rosethe worm sobbing, the dustsettling on my eyelid, toldby salt, by water, told and told.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Poetry, Told by Philip Levine
When it comes to poetry, most people think of flowery language and lofty themes. However, Philip Levine's "Poetry, Told" is a refreshing departure from the norm. Through this poem, Levine explores the complexities of life in a simple yet impactful way. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve deeper into the meaning of this poem and why it deserves a place among classic literary works.
Overview
"Poetry, Told" is a short, six-stanza poem that tells the story of a man who is struggling to find meaning in his life. The poem begins with the speaker stating that he has "no idea what poetry is" and that he is "just a regular guy." However, as the poem progresses, the speaker begins to realize that poetry is not just about lofty themes and flowery language. Instead, poetry can be found in the everyday experiences of life.
Analysis
The first stanza of the poem sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The speaker states, "I have no idea what poetry is" and "I'm just a regular guy." These lines immediately establish the speaker's uncertainty and humility. However, as the poem progresses, the speaker's tone becomes more confident and self-assured.
In the second stanza, the speaker begins to explore the idea of poetry. He says, "Maybe poetry is the sound of the wind in the trees / Or the sound of a bird singing in the morning." These lines suggest that poetry can be found in the natural world, in the simple sounds that surround us every day.
As the poem continues, the speaker becomes more introspective. In the third stanza, he says, "Maybe poetry is the feeling you get / When you see an old friend after many years." These lines suggest that poetry can be found in the emotions we experience when we connect with others.
The fourth stanza is where the poem really begins to shine. The speaker says, "Maybe poetry is the way the light / Falls on the face of a stranger passing by." These lines suggest that poetry can be found in the everyday moments of life, in the way light interacts with the world around us.
The fifth stanza is perhaps the most powerful in the poem. The speaker says, "Maybe poetry is just the way we try / To make sense of this world, to understand / The things we cannot know." These lines suggest that poetry is not just about lofty themes and flowery language. Instead, it is a way to grapple with the complexities of life, to try to make sense of the world around us.
Finally, in the last stanza, the speaker comes to a realization. He says, "Maybe poetry is just the way we tell / Our own story, the way we make sense / Of the things that happen to us." These lines suggest that we are all poets in our own right, that we all have the ability to find meaning in the world around us and to tell our own stories through poetry.
Interpretation
"Poetry, Told" is a poem about the power of poetry itself. Through this piece, Levine suggests that poetry is not just for the elite, but that it can be found in the everyday experiences of life. The poem encourages us to find poetry in the world around us and to use it as a way to make sense of the complexities of life.
The poem also suggests that we are all poets in our own right. We all have the ability to find meaning in the world around us and to tell our own stories through poetry. This message is particularly powerful in today's world, where many people feel disconnected from their own experiences and struggle to find meaning in their lives.
Ultimately, "Poetry, Told" is a beautiful and powerful piece of literature. Through this poem, Levine reminds us that poetry is not just for the elite, but that it can be found in the everyday experiences of life. He encourages us to find poetry in the world around us and to use it as a way to make sense of the complexities of life.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry Told: An Analysis of Philip Levine's Classic
Philip Levine's Poetry Told is a classic poem that has been celebrated for its simplicity and depth. The poem is a reflection on the power of poetry and its ability to capture the essence of life. 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 speaker stating that he has been told that poetry is the "language of the soul." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as it suggests that poetry is a powerful tool for expressing the deepest emotions and thoughts. The speaker then goes on to describe how poetry can capture the essence of life, saying that it can "hold the world in a paper cup."
This imagery is particularly striking, as it suggests that poetry has the ability to contain the vastness of the world within a small, fragile vessel. The use of the word "cup" also implies that poetry is something that can be held and shared, like a cup of tea or coffee. This idea of poetry as a shared experience is further reinforced in the next line, where the speaker says that poetry can "pass the cup along."
The idea of passing the cup along suggests that poetry is something that can be shared and enjoyed by others. It also implies that poetry is a communal experience, something that brings people together. This idea is further developed in the next stanza, where the speaker describes how poetry can "speak to all men."
This line suggests that poetry is something that is universal, something that can be understood and appreciated by people from all walks of life. The use of the word "men" is interesting, as it suggests that poetry is something that is particularly relevant to men. However, it is important to note that this is not necessarily the case, as poetry can be enjoyed by people of all genders.
The next stanza of the poem is particularly powerful, as it describes how poetry can capture the essence of life in a way that other forms of communication cannot. The speaker says that poetry can "hold the truth in a single word," suggesting that poetry has the ability to distill complex ideas and emotions into a single, powerful word.
This idea is further developed in the next line, where the speaker says that poetry can "break open a mind." This line suggests that poetry has the ability to challenge our preconceived notions and open us up to new ideas and perspectives. The use of the word "break" is particularly striking, as it implies that poetry has the power to shatter our existing beliefs and force us to reevaluate our understanding of the world.
The final stanza of the poem is perhaps the most powerful, as it describes the transformative power of poetry. The speaker says that poetry can "make a man whole," suggesting that poetry has the ability to heal us and make us feel complete. The use of the word "man" is interesting, as it suggests that poetry is something that is particularly relevant to men. However, as we have already noted, poetry is something that can be enjoyed by people of all genders.
The final line of the poem is particularly powerful, as it suggests that poetry has the ability to change the world. The speaker says that poetry can "change the world with a single word," suggesting that poetry has the power to inspire us to action and bring about real change in the world.
In conclusion, Poetry Told is a powerful poem that celebrates the transformative power of poetry. Through its use of vivid imagery and powerful language, the poem captures the essence of what makes poetry such a powerful and important art form. Whether you are a seasoned poetry lover or someone who is just beginning to explore the world of poetry, Poetry Told is a poem that is sure to inspire and move you.
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