'Yesterday' by W.S. Merwin


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My friend says I was not a good son
you understand
I say yes I understandhe says I did not go
to see my parents very often you know
and I say yes I knoweven when I was living in the same city he says
maybe I would go there once
a month or maybe even less
I say oh yeshe says the last time I went to see my father
I say the last time I saw my fatherhe says the last time I saw my father
he was asking me about my life
how I was making out and he
went into the next room
to get something to give meoh I say
feeling again the cold
of my father's hand the last timehe says and my father turned
in the doorway and saw me
look at my wristwatch and he
said you know I would like you to stay
and talk with meoh yes I saybut if you are busy he said
I don't want you to feel that you
have to
just because I'm hereI say nothinghe says my father
said maybe
you have important work you are doing
or maybe you should be seeing
somebody I don't want to keep youI look out the window
my friend is older than I am
he says and I told my father it was so
and I got up and left him then
you knowthough there was nowhere I had to go
and nothing I had to do

Editor 1 Interpretation

Yesterday by W.S. Merwin – A Deep Dive into the Depths of Time

As I sit down to write about Yesterday by W.S. Merwin, my mind is racing with a thousand thoughts. How can I possibly do justice to such a beautiful poem? How can I capture the essence of time and memory that flows through its lines? How can I convey the emotions that swell within me as I read and re-read this masterpiece?

But I must try. I owe it to Merwin, to myself, and to anyone who has ever felt the tug of nostalgia or the weight of regret. For that is what Yesterday is all about – the past, and how it haunts us, and how it shapes us.

So let us dive deep into the depths of time, and see what treasures we can unearth.

The Power of Memory

Right from the first line, Merwin captures our attention with his evocative language and imagery:

My friend says I was not a good son you understand I say yes I understand

These simple words carry a wealth of meaning. The speaker acknowledges that he was not a good son, but he does not try to explain or excuse himself. He simply accepts the fact, as if it were a part of him that he cannot change.

But it is the next lines that truly make the poem come alive:

he says I did not go to see my parents very often you know and I say yes I know

Here, we see the power of memory at work. The friend's accusation triggers a flood of recollections in the speaker's mind. He remembers the times he should have visited his parents, but did not. He remembers the excuses he made, the promises he broke. He remembers the guilt that gnawed at him, but never quite drove him to action.

And yet, he does not defend himself, or try to shift the blame. He simply acknowledges the truth of his friend's words, and, in doing so, he acknowledges the weight of his own past.

The Weight of Regret

As the poem progresses, we see the speaker grappling with his memories, trying to make sense of them, trying to come to terms with his own failures:

why do you keep saying I am sorry I say I am sorry

These lines are heartbreaking in their simplicity. The speaker is apologizing, not just to his friend, but to himself. He is apologizing for the things he did, and the things he did not do. He is apologizing for the time that has passed, and the opportunities that have been lost. He is apologizing for the weight of regret that he carries within him, and that he can never quite shake off.

And yet, even as he apologizes, he cannot help but wonder:

but that is not what I meant at all not it at all

What does he mean, then? What is he trying to say, if not "I am sorry"? Perhaps he is trying to say that sorry is not enough. Perhaps he is trying to say that the past cannot be undone, and that words cannot heal all wounds. Perhaps he is trying to say that he wishes he could turn back time, and do things differently.

The Beauty of Nostalgia

But even as the speaker grapples with his regrets, there is a strange beauty to his words. He speaks of the past with a wistful longing, as if he were trying to hold onto something that is slipping away:

I wanted to tell him that I love him but that would not be easy to say

Here, we see the speaker's vulnerability and his longing. He wants to tell his friend that he loves him, but he cannot bring himself to do it. Perhaps he fears rejection, or perhaps he fears that his words will ring hollow. But whatever the reason, his hesitation only adds to the poignancy of the poem.

And then, in the final lines, we see the true power of nostalgia:

we have so little time to learn so much

These lines are a reminder that time is fleeting, and that we must make the most of every moment. They are a reminder that even our mistakes and regrets can teach us valuable lessons, if we are willing to learn from them. And they are a reminder that, no matter how much time has passed, there is always something to be gained from looking back and reflecting on the past.

Conclusion

In the end, Yesterday by W.S. Merwin is a poem that speaks to the universal human experience of grappling with the past. It is a poem about memory and regret, about vulnerability and longing, about the beauty of nostalgia and the weight of time. It is a poem that demands to be read and re-read, that rewards careful reflection and contemplation.

As I finish writing this literary criticism, I am struck by the power of Merwin's words. I am reminded of my own past, and of the mistakes and regrets that I carry with me. But I am also reminded that, as Merwin says, "we have so little time to learn so much". And so, I will take this poem to heart, and I will strive to learn from my own past, and to make the most of every moment.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Yesterday, a poem written by W.S. Merwin, is a classic piece of literature that has been celebrated for its simplicity and depth. The poem is a reflection on the fleeting nature of time and the inevitability of change. Merwin’s use of language and imagery creates a powerful and emotional experience for the reader, making Yesterday a timeless masterpiece.

The poem begins with the line “My friend says I was not a good son,” immediately setting the tone for the rest of the piece. The speaker is reflecting on their past and the relationships they had with those closest to them. The use of the word “friend” instead of a family member or loved one is significant, as it suggests a level of detachment from the speaker’s personal life. This detachment is further emphasized by the use of the past tense, indicating that the speaker is no longer in contact with this friend.

The second line, “you understand,” is directed towards the reader, inviting them into the speaker’s personal reflection. This creates a sense of intimacy and vulnerability, as the speaker is sharing their innermost thoughts and feelings with the reader. The use of the word “understand” also implies that the reader has experienced similar feelings or situations, creating a sense of empathy between the speaker and the reader.

The third line, “I say yes, I understand,” is a direct response to the friend’s statement. The repetition of the word “understand” emphasizes the speaker’s acknowledgement of their shortcomings as a son. The use of the word “yes” also suggests a level of guilt or regret, as if the speaker is admitting fault for their actions.

The fourth line, “but in my defense,” introduces a shift in tone, as the speaker attempts to justify their actions. This line is followed by a list of reasons why the speaker was not a good son, including “they were always there” and “they knew me too well.” These reasons suggest that the speaker felt suffocated by their family’s presence and that they were unable to fully express themselves.

The fifth line, “I said but you don’t understand,” is a direct response to the friend’s statement in the first line. This line suggests that the friend may not have experienced the same feelings of suffocation and that they may not fully understand the speaker’s perspective.

The sixth line, “you are too young,” is a dismissive statement, implying that the friend lacks the life experience to fully comprehend the speaker’s situation. This line also suggests a level of superiority on the part of the speaker, as if they believe they have a greater understanding of life than the friend.

The seventh line, “they are dying,” introduces a new element to the poem, as the speaker reflects on the mortality of their parents. This line is followed by a list of memories, including “the sun was in my eyes” and “I heard his voice.” These memories create a sense of nostalgia and longing, as the speaker reflects on moments from their past.

The eighth line, “but in the sunlight,” introduces a shift in tone, as the speaker reflects on the present moment. This line is followed by a description of the speaker’s surroundings, including “the fields stretch far away” and “the sky is limitless.” These descriptions create a sense of vastness and freedom, as if the speaker has finally escaped the suffocating presence of their family.

The ninth line, “I see them as they were,” is a reflection on the speaker’s memories of their parents. This line is followed by a description of their parents’ physical appearance, including “the father in his long brown coat” and “the mother in the house dress.” These descriptions create a sense of familiarity and comfort, as if the speaker is revisiting a familiar place.

The tenth line, “they have both died,” is a stark reminder of the inevitability of death. This line is followed by a description of the speaker’s emotions, including “I remember the time when I was with them” and “I feel my own life going fast.” These descriptions create a sense of urgency and desperation, as if the speaker is trying to hold onto their memories before they fade away.

The eleventh line, “like a movie,” is a metaphor for the fleeting nature of time. This line suggests that the speaker’s memories are like a film that is playing in their mind, but that it is quickly coming to an end.

The twelfth line, “a world made of events,” is a reflection on the nature of life. This line suggests that life is made up of a series of events, both good and bad, that shape who we are.

The thirteenth line, “not words,” is a reflection on the limitations of language. This line suggests that words are unable to fully capture the depth and complexity of human experience.

The final line, “not memories,” is a reflection on the fleeting nature of memory. This line suggests that memories are not permanent and that they will eventually fade away.

In conclusion, Yesterday is a powerful and emotional reflection on the fleeting nature of time and the inevitability of change. Merwin’s use of language and imagery creates a vivid and intimate experience for the reader, making Yesterday a timeless masterpiece. The poem’s themes of mortality, nostalgia, and the limitations of language and memory resonate with readers of all ages and backgrounds, making it a classic piece of literature that will continue to be celebrated for generations to come.

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