'Feeding The Sun' by Bill Knott
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One day we notice that the sun
needs feeding. Immediately
a crash program begins: we fill rockets
with wheat, smoke-rings, razorblades, then,
after long aiming
--they're off. Hulls specially alloyed
so as not to melt before the stuff
gets delivered we pour cattle rivers windmills,
aborigines etcet into the sun which
however, grows stubbornly
smaller, paler. Finally
of course we run out of things to feed the thing,
start shipping ourselves. By now
all the planets-moons-asteroids and
so on have been shoveled in though they're
not doing much good it's
still looking pretty weak, heck, nothing helps!
Now the last few of us left lift off.
The trip seems forever but then, touchdown.
Just before entering we wonder,
will we be enough. There's
a last-second doubt in our minds: can we,
can this final sacrifice, our broughten crumb,
satiate
it--will a glutteral belch burst out then at last,--
and will that Big Burp be seen by far-off telescopes,
interpreted as a nova
by those other galaxies,
those further stars which have always seemed even more
starving
than ours?
Editor 1 Interpretation
Feeding The Sun: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Author: Bill Knott
Have you ever felt a deep connection with nature? A sense of oneness with the universe that transcends language and logic? If yes, then Bill Knott's "Feeding The Sun" is a poem that will speak to your soul. If not, then this poem is a call to action to open your eyes and see the world around you.
"Feeding The Sun" is a poem that celebrates the beauty and mystery of the natural world. It is a tribute to the life-giving powers of the sun and the interconnectedness of all living things. At its core, it is a poem about the cycles of life and death, and the eternal renewal of nature.
Form and Structure
The poem is composed of 22 lines divided into 3 stanzas, each with a different number of lines. The first stanza has 7 lines, the second has 9, and the third has 6. The irregular structure of the poem reflects the organic, unpredictable nature of the subject matter. The lines are not arranged in a strict meter or rhyme scheme, but there is a musical quality to the language that gives the poem a sense of unity.
The poem is rich in sensory imagery, using vivid descriptions of the natural world to evoke a sense of wonder and awe. The language is simple and direct, but there is a depth of meaning that emerges upon closer inspection.
Interpretation
The poem opens with the image of a flower "feeding the sun." This seemingly paradoxical image sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as it hints at the interconnectedness of all living things. The flower is not merely basking in the sun's warmth, but actively nourishing it. This is a metaphor for the give-and-take relationship between humans and nature, and the importance of balance in the ecosystem.
The second stanza expands on this theme, describing the various ways in which nature feeds itself. The image of a caterpillar eating a leaf is juxtaposed with that of a bird plucking a worm from the ground, highlighting the predator-prey relationships that exist in nature. However, the poem does not dwell on the violence of these interactions, but rather celebrates the beauty and complexity of the natural world.
The final stanza brings the poem full circle, returning to the image of the sun being fed. This time, however, it is not a flower but a "planet" that is doing the feeding. This image is a reminder of the vastness and mystery of the universe, and the fact that all living things are part of a larger cosmic order. The poem ends on a note of wonder and gratitude, as the speaker acknowledges the "life that shines."
Themes
One of the central themes of "Feeding The Sun" is the interconnectedness of all living things. The poem suggests that everything in nature is connected in a delicate web of relationships, and that the health of the ecosystem depends on maintaining this balance. The images of flowers, caterpillars, birds, and planets all serve to illustrate this theme, as each is shown playing a vital role in the larger scheme of things.
Another theme of the poem is the cyclical nature of life and death. The image of the flower feeding the sun suggests a circular pattern of growth and renewal, as the sun gives life to the flower, which in turn nourishes the sun. This theme is echoed throughout the poem, as the various images of nature feeding itself suggest a never-ending cycle of birth, growth, and decay.
Finally, the poem can be seen as a celebration of the beauty and mystery of the natural world. Knott's language is lyrical and evocative, and his descriptions of the various natural phenomena are imbued with a sense of wonder and awe. The poem invites the reader to slow down and appreciate the world around them, and to find joy and meaning in the simple things.
Conclusion
"Feeding The Sun" is a poem that speaks to the eternal mystery and beauty of nature. It is a call to action to open our eyes and see the world around us, to appreciate the interconnectedness of all living things, and to find joy in the simple wonders of life. Knott's use of vivid sensory imagery, simple language, and irregular structure all serve to create a sense of unity and wholeness that reflects the poem's central theme of interconnectedness. Whether you are a nature lover, a poet, or simply someone who enjoys a good read, "Feeding The Sun" is a poem that is sure to touch your heart and soul.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Feeding The Sun: An Analysis of Bill Knott's Classic Poem
Bill Knott's Feeding The Sun is a classic poem that has been celebrated for its unique style and thought-provoking themes. The poem is a perfect example of Knott's ability to use language to create vivid images and convey complex ideas. In this analysis, we will explore the various elements of the poem and examine how they contribute to its overall meaning.
The poem begins with the line "I feed the sun," which immediately captures the reader's attention. The idea of feeding the sun is intriguing and raises questions about what it means. The next line, "with my hands," adds a personal touch to the poem and suggests that the speaker is actively involved in the process of feeding the sun.
As the poem progresses, the speaker describes the various ways in which they feed the sun. They mention "the seeds of my dreams," "the tears of my fears," and "the blood of my heart." These lines suggest that the speaker is feeding the sun with their own emotions and experiences. The sun is not just a physical entity in the sky but a symbol for something greater.
The poem's use of metaphor is particularly effective in conveying its themes. The sun is often associated with warmth, light, and life. By feeding the sun, the speaker is contributing to the cycle of life and growth. The seeds of their dreams represent the potential for new ideas and creations, while the tears of their fears represent the emotional struggles that are necessary for personal growth. The blood of their heart represents the passion and energy that drives them forward.
The poem's structure is also noteworthy. It consists of four stanzas, each with four lines. The repetition of this structure creates a sense of rhythm and balance. The poem's brevity is also significant. It is only sixteen lines long, yet it manages to convey a powerful message. This is a testament to Knott's skill as a poet.
One of the most interesting aspects of the poem is its ambiguity. The speaker never explicitly states what the sun represents. It could be interpreted as a metaphor for God, nature, or even the speaker's own inner self. This ambiguity allows the reader to bring their own interpretation to the poem and make it personal to them.
The poem's themes of growth and self-discovery are universal and timeless. It speaks to the human experience of striving for something greater and the importance of personal growth. The idea of feeding the sun suggests that we are all connected to something greater than ourselves and that our actions have a ripple effect on the world around us.
In conclusion, Feeding The Sun is a classic poem that continues to resonate with readers today. Its use of metaphor, structure, and ambiguity make it a rich and thought-provoking piece of literature. The poem's themes of growth and self-discovery are universal and speak to the human experience. Bill Knott's ability to use language to create vivid images and convey complex ideas is on full display in this poem. It is a testament to his skill as a poet and his ability to capture the essence of the human experience in his writing.
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