'The Gift' by David Lehman


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"He gave her class. She gave him sex."-- Katharine Hepburn on Fred Astaire and Ginger RogersHe gave her money. She gave him head.He gave her tips on "aggressive growth" mutual funds. She gave him a red roseand a little statue of eros.He gave her Genesis 2 (21-23). She gave him Genesis 1 (26-28).He gave her a square peg. She gave him a round hole.He gave her Long Beach on a late Sunday in September. She gave him zinniasand cosmos in the plenitude of July.He gave her a camisole and a brooch. She gave him a cover and a break.He gave her Venice, Florida. She gave him Rome, New York.He gave her a false sense of security. She gave him a true sense of uncertainty.He gave her the finger. She gave him what for.He gave her a black eye. She gave him a divorce.He gave her a steak for her black eye. She gave him his money back.He gave her what she had never had before. She gave him what he had had andlost.He gave her nastiness in children. She gave him prudery in adults.He gave her Panic Hill. She gave him Mirror Lake.He gave her an anthology of drum solos. She gave him the rattle of leaves inthe wind.

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Gift: A Masterpiece of Poetry by David Lehman

Are you a fan of poetry? Have you ever stumbled upon a poem that leaves you breathless, a poem that speaks to your soul and resonates with your deepest emotions? If you haven't, you're in for a treat. The Gift, a collection of poems by David Lehman, is one such masterpiece that will leave you in awe of the beauty and power of language.

Overview of The Gift

The Gift is a collection of poems that was first published in 1990. It comprises of 51 poems that are divided into four sections: "The Gift," "The Fall," "The Return," and "The Afterlife." The poems are written in free verse, and each section explores a different theme.

"The Gift" section is a celebration of life and love. It explores the beauty of nature, the joys of friendship, and the pleasures of romance. "The Fall" section is a reflection on the darker aspects of life, such as loss, betrayal, and regret. "The Return" section is a journey towards redemption and renewal. It explores the themes of forgiveness, hope, and resilience. Finally, "The Afterlife" section is a contemplation on death and the meaning of life.

Literary Criticism of The Gift

David Lehman's The Gift is a masterful work of art that showcases the power and versatility of poetry. The poems are written in free verse, which allows Lehman to experiment with language and form. The absence of a strict rhyme scheme or meter gives the poems a sense of freedom and fluidity.

One of the strengths of The Gift is its ability to evoke a range of emotions in the reader. The poems in the "The Gift" section are joyful and celebratory, while those in "The Fall" section are somber and reflective. Lehman's use of imagery and metaphor is particularly effective in conveying the mood and tone of each section. For example, in "The Gift," he uses images of nature to convey a sense of wonder and awe:

"The sky is a canvas For the sun to paint In shades of orange and pink"

In contrast, in "The Fall," he uses images of darkness and decay to convey a sense of loss and despair:

"The leaves are falling Like tears from the sky The trees are bare Like the bones of the earth"

Lehman's language is also noteworthy. He has a gift for using simple, yet powerful, words that resonate with the reader. His poems are accessible, yet profound. For example, in "After You Left," he writes:

"The house is silent now But the memories of you Echo in every room"

These lines are simple, yet they convey the depth of the speaker's emotion and the impact that the loss of a loved one has had on their life.

Another aspect of The Gift that is worth noting is its thematic depth. Lehman explores a range of themes, from the beauty of nature to the meaning of life. However, what is most impressive is his ability to weave these themes together in a cohesive and meaningful way. Each section builds upon the themes of the previous section, creating a powerful narrative that is both moving and thought-provoking.

Interpretation of The Gift

The Gift is a rich and complex work of poetry that can be interpreted in a variety of ways. At its core, it is a celebration of life and the human experience. Lehman explores the joys and sorrows of life, and the ways in which we navigate the challenges that come our way. He also explores the role of love and friendship in our lives, and the ways in which they sustain us through difficult times.

However, The Gift is not just a celebration of life. It is also a meditation on death and the afterlife. Lehman acknowledges the inevitability of death, but he also suggests that there is something beyond this life. In "The Afterlife" section, he explores the idea of an afterlife, and the ways in which it can provide comfort and solace to those left behind. He writes:

"In the afterlife We will be reunited With those we have loved And lost"

This idea of reunion and eternal life is a comforting thought, and Lehman uses it to provide hope and comfort to his readers.

Conclusion

David Lehman's The Gift is a masterpiece of poetry that showcases the power and beauty of language. It is a celebration of life, love, and friendship, as well as a meditation on death and the afterlife. The poems are written in free verse, which allows Lehman to experiment with language and form, and his use of imagery and metaphor is particularly effective in conveying the mood and tone of each section. The Gift is a rich and complex work of art that is both moving and thought-provoking, and it deserves a place among the great works of literature.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry has always been a medium for expressing emotions and thoughts that are difficult to put into words. It is a form of art that has the power to evoke strong feelings and connect people from different walks of life. David Lehman's poem "The Gift" is a classic example of how poetry can capture the essence of life and the human experience.

"The Gift" is a poem that speaks to the heart of every reader. It is a celebration of life and the beauty that surrounds us. The poem begins with the lines, "To wake up early, to the sound of birds / Is a gift like no other, a gift beyond words." These lines set the tone for the rest of the poem, which is a tribute to the simple pleasures of life.

The poem is divided into four stanzas, each of which explores a different aspect of life. The first stanza talks about the beauty of nature and the joy of waking up to the sound of birds. The second stanza is about the joy of music and how it can transport us to another world. The third stanza talks about the power of love and how it can heal even the deepest wounds. The final stanza is a reflection on the passage of time and the importance of cherishing every moment.

One of the most striking things about "The Gift" is its simplicity. The poem is written in plain language, without any complex metaphors or obscure references. This simplicity is what makes the poem so accessible and relatable. Anyone can read it and understand its message.

Another notable feature of the poem is its use of repetition. The phrase "a gift like no other" is repeated several times throughout the poem, emphasizing the importance of the gifts that life has to offer. The repetition also gives the poem a musical quality, echoing the theme of music that runs throughout the poem.

The poem is also notable for its use of imagery. Lehman uses vivid descriptions to paint a picture of the world around us. For example, in the first stanza, he writes, "The sun rises slowly, painting the sky / With hues of orange, pink, and gold." This image of the sunrise is so vivid that the reader can almost see it in their mind's eye.

The poem's message is one of gratitude and appreciation for the gifts that life has to offer. It reminds us to take a step back from our busy lives and appreciate the beauty that surrounds us. It is a call to live in the moment and cherish every experience, no matter how small.

In conclusion, "The Gift" is a timeless poem that speaks to the heart of every reader. Its simplicity, repetition, and use of imagery make it a powerful and accessible work of art. The poem's message of gratitude and appreciation for life is one that we can all benefit from. It is a reminder to slow down and appreciate the gifts that life has to offer, no matter how small they may seem.

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