'The Shield Of A Greeting' by David Lehman


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for J.A., December 3, 1975


Ashes that survive the aftermath of fire
Bury the past bravely, retaining
Only those messages that are least decipherable
And therefore most desirable
To be sung by the bright-eyed few remaining
Voices of our frankly foolish choir.

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Shield of a Greeting: A Masterpiece of Poetic Artistry

Every now and then, a poem comes along that captivates the mind and stirs the soul. One such poem is "The Shield of a Greeting" by David Lehman. With its masterful use of language, vivid imagery, and deep insights into the human condition, this work of art stands out as a true masterpiece of poetic literature.

Background and Context

Before delving into the poem itself, it's important to understand a bit about the author and the context in which he wrote. David Lehman is an American poet, literary critic, and editor. He was born in 1948 in New York City and grew up in Manhattan. He attended Columbia University and later worked as an editor for various publications, including The Village Voice and Newsweek.

Lehman has published several collections of poetry, including "The Daily Mirror" and "When a Woman Loves a Man." He is also known for his anthologies of American poetry, including "The Best American Poetry" series. In addition to his work as a poet and editor, Lehman has been a professor of writing and literature at several universities, including New York University and the New School.

"The Shield of a Greeting" was published in Lehman's collection "The Evening Sun" in 2002. The collection explores themes of memory, love, loss, and the passing of time. The title poem, "The Evening Sun," is a meditation on the transience of life, while "The Shield of a Greeting" speaks to the power of human connection and the importance of kindness and compassion in a world that can often seem cold and indifferent.

Structure and Style

At first glance, "The Shield of a Greeting" appears to be a simple, straightforward poem. It consists of six stanzas, each with four lines, and follows a consistent ABAB rhyme scheme. The language is plain and unadorned, with no extravagant metaphors or complex syntax.

But upon closer examination, it becomes clear that the poem is anything but simple. Lehman uses a variety of literary devices to create a rich, multi-layered work of art. For example, he employs alliteration (e.g. "A smile that shines like a shield"), repetition (e.g. "It is the only armor we have"), and imagery (e.g. "A greeting is a cloak of peace") to give the poem a sense of musicality and depth.

Lehman also uses enjambment, the technique of carrying a sentence over from one line to the next, to create a sense of movement and flow. For example, in the first stanza, he writes:

A greeting is a shield A friendly smile a sword With them we ward off evil With them we welcome the lord

By carrying the sentence over from the first line to the second, Lehman creates a sense of momentum that propels the reader forward. The use of enjambment also helps to create a sense of unity and continuity between the stanzas, as each one flows seamlessly into the next.

Interpretation and Analysis

So what is "The Shield of a Greeting" really about? On the surface, it seems to be a simple meditation on the power of kindness and compassion. Lehman suggests that a friendly greeting, a smile, or a kind word can act as a shield against the coldness and indifference of the world.

But the poem goes deeper than that. It suggests that human connection is not just a luxury, but a necessity. Without it, we are vulnerable to the forces of evil and chaos that surround us. "With them we ward off evil," Lehman writes, suggesting that kindness and compassion are not just nice to have, but essential for our survival.

The poem also suggests that human connection is a two-way street. When we show kindness and compassion to others, we not only protect ourselves, but we also create a ripple effect that can spread throughout our communities and beyond. "With them we welcome the lord," Lehman writes, suggesting that acts of kindness and compassion are not just virtuous in themselves, but are also a way of connecting with something greater than ourselves.

But perhaps the most powerful message of the poem is its reminder that we all have the power to make a difference. We may not be able to solve all the world's problems or cure all its ills, but we can each do our part to make the world a better place. "It is the only armor we have," Lehman writes, suggesting that kindness and compassion are not just nice to have, but are essential tools for navigating the world.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "The Shield of a Greeting" is a masterpiece of poetry that speaks to the power of human connection and the importance of kindness and compassion in a world that can often seem cold and indifferent. Through its masterful use of language, vivid imagery, and deep insights into the human condition, the poem invites us to reflect on our own lives and the role we can each play in making the world a better place. And in a time when the world can seem dark and divided, that is a message we could all stand to hear.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The Shield of a Greeting: A Masterpiece of Poetry

David Lehman's "The Shield of a Greeting" is a classic poem that has stood the test of time. It is a masterpiece of poetry that has captured the hearts of many readers. This poem is a perfect example of how a poet can use language to create a vivid and powerful image in the reader's mind. In this article, we will analyze and explain the poem in detail, exploring its themes, structure, and language.

The poem begins with the line, "The shield of a greeting, the sword of a word." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem. It suggests that words can be powerful weapons, just like a sword. The use of the word "shield" also implies that words can be used to protect oneself from harm. This line is a perfect example of how Lehman uses language to create a powerful image in the reader's mind.

The next few lines of the poem describe the power of words. Lehman writes, "The tongue of a greeting, the voice of a word, / The heart of a greeting, the soul of a word." These lines suggest that words have the power to convey emotions and feelings. They can touch the heart and soul of the listener. The use of the word "greeting" also implies that words can be used to welcome and embrace others.

The poem then takes a turn, as Lehman describes the negative power of words. He writes, "The sting of a greeting, the cut of a word, / The wound of a greeting, the scar of a word." These lines suggest that words can also be used to hurt and harm others. They can leave scars that last a lifetime. This is a powerful reminder that we should be careful with our words, as they can have a lasting impact on others.

Lehman then goes on to describe the power of silence. He writes, "The silence of a greeting, the peace of a word, / The calm of a greeting, the rest of a word." These lines suggest that sometimes it is better to remain silent than to speak. Silence can bring peace and calmness to a situation. This is a powerful reminder that we should not always feel the need to speak, but rather listen and observe.

The poem then takes another turn, as Lehman describes the power of action. He writes, "The touch of a greeting, the embrace of a word, / The dance of a greeting, the joy of a word." These lines suggest that actions can also convey powerful emotions and feelings. A simple touch or embrace can bring joy and happiness to others. This is a powerful reminder that we should not only rely on words, but also on actions to convey our emotions.

The poem ends with the line, "The shield of a greeting, the sword of a word." This line brings the poem full circle, reminding us of the power of words. It suggests that words can be used as both a shield and a sword, depending on how they are used. This is a powerful reminder that we should be mindful of our words, as they can have a lasting impact on others.

In terms of structure, the poem is written in free verse. It does not follow a specific rhyme scheme or meter. This allows Lehman to use language in a more flexible and creative way. The poem is also divided into stanzas, each with its own theme. This helps to organize the poem and make it easier to follow.

In terms of language, Lehman uses a variety of literary devices to create a vivid and powerful image in the reader's mind. He uses metaphors, such as "the shield of a greeting" and "the sword of a word," to compare words to physical objects. He also uses repetition, such as the repetition of "greeting" and "word," to emphasize the power of these concepts. Additionally, he uses alliteration, such as "sting of a greeting" and "cut of a word," to create a musical quality to the poem.

In conclusion, "The Shield of a Greeting" is a masterpiece of poetry that has stood the test of time. It is a powerful reminder of the impact that words can have on others. Lehman uses language in a creative and flexible way to create a vivid and powerful image in the reader's mind. The poem is structured in a way that makes it easy to follow and understand. Overall, this poem is a must-read for anyone who appreciates the power of language and its impact on others.

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