'Calmly We Walk Through This April's Day' by Delmore Schwartz
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Calmly we walk through this April's day,
Metropolitan poetry here and there,
In the park sit pauper and rentier,
The screaming children, the motor-car
Fugitive about us, running away,
Between the worker and the millionaire
Number provides all distances,
It is Nineteen Thirty-Seven now,
Many great dears are taken away,
What will become of you and me
(This is the school in which we learn...)
Besides the photo and the memory?
(...that time is the fire in which we burn.)
(This is the school in which we learn...)
What is the self amid this blaze?
What am I now that I was then
Which I shall suffer and act again,
The theodicy I wrote in my high school days
Restored all life from infancy,
The children shouting are bright as they run
(This is the school in which they learn . . .)
Ravished entirely in their passing play!
(...that time is the fire in which they burn.)
Avid its rush, that reeling blaze!
Where is my father and Eleanor?
Not where are they now, dead seven years,
But what they were then?
No more? No more?
From Nineteen-Fourteen to the present day,
Bert Spira and Rhoda consume, consume
Not where they are now (where are they now?)
But what they were then, both beautiful;
Each minute bursts in the burning room,
The great globe reels in the solar fire,
Spinning the trivial and unique away.
(How all things flash! How all things flare!)
What am I now that I was then?
May memory restore again and again
The smallest color of the smallest day:
Time is the school in which we learn,
Time is the fire in which we burn.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Calmly We Walk Through This April's Day by Delmore Schwartz
Have you ever read a poem that made you feel like you're walking through the words? That's exactly what Delmore Schwartz's Calmly We Walk Through This April's Day does. In this classic poem, Schwartz takes readers on a journey through the streets of New York City, exploring themes of love, mortality, and the passing of time.
Analysis of the poem
The poem begins with an image of two lovers walking through the city streets, hand in hand. This opening sets the stage for the rest of the poem, which is an exploration of the various sights, sounds, and emotions of life in the city.
One of the most striking things about this poem is the way Schwartz uses rich, sensory language to bring the city to life. He describes the "droning of the engines" and the "sudden roar of horns," conjuring up a vivid image of the hustle and bustle of city life. At the same time, he also uses more subtle sensory details, such as the "yellow smoke" that drifts through the air, to capture the unique atmosphere of the city.
As the poem progresses, Schwartz delves deeper into the themes of love and mortality. He describes the lovers as walking "calmly" through the city, even as they are surrounded by the chaos and noise. This juxtaposition of calm and chaos suggests that love can provide a sense of stability and comfort even in the midst of life's struggles.
Schwartz also touches on the idea of time and the passing of the seasons. He describes the "young trees" that are just beginning to bloom and the "sudden rain" that marks the arrival of spring. These images remind us that life is always in a state of flux, and that time is constantly moving forward.
Interpretation of the poem
So what is the poet trying to say with this poem? At its core, Calmly We Walk Through This April's Day is a meditation on the beauty and fragility of life. It's a reminder that life is fleeting, and that we should cherish every moment that we have.
The poem also suggests that love can provide a sense of stability and comfort in the midst of life's struggles. Even as the chaos of the city swirls around them, the lovers in the poem remain calm and connected. This speaks to the power of love and the ways in which it can help us navigate the challenges of life.
At the same time, the poem also acknowledges the passing of time and the inevitability of mortality. The young trees may be blooming now, but they will eventually wither and die. The sudden rain may bring new life, but it also marks the passing of another season. This reminds us that life is constantly changing, and that we must make the most of every moment while we can.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Delmore Schwartz's Calmly We Walk Through This April's Day is a powerful meditation on the beauty and fragility of life. Through vivid sensory language and thoughtful exploration of themes of love, mortality, and the passing of time, Schwartz takes readers on a journey through the streets of New York City. This is a poem that will stay with you long after you've finished reading it, prompting you to reflect on the meaning and value of your own life.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Calmly We Walk Through This April's Day: A Poem Analysis
Delmore Schwartz's poem, Calmly We Walk Through This April's Day, is a beautiful and thought-provoking piece of literature. The poem is a reflection on the beauty of nature and the fleeting nature of life. It is a reminder to appreciate the present moment and to live life to the fullest.
The poem begins with the line, "Calmly we walk through this April's day." The use of the word "calmly" sets the tone for the rest of the poem. It suggests a sense of peace and tranquility, which is further emphasized by the imagery of the "soft air" and the "gentle sky." The speaker is taking a leisurely walk on a beautiful spring day, enjoying the sights and sounds of nature.
As the poem progresses, the speaker reflects on the transience of life. He notes that "life is but a day" and that "we are but flowers." This is a powerful reminder that life is short and that we should make the most of every moment. The imagery of the flowers is particularly poignant, as it suggests that we are all beautiful and unique, but also fragile and fleeting.
The poem also touches on the theme of mortality. The speaker notes that "death is but a sleep" and that "we shall wake eternally." This suggests a belief in an afterlife or some form of spiritual existence beyond death. It is a comforting thought, as it suggests that death is not the end, but rather a transition to a new state of being.
The poem also contains a sense of nostalgia. The speaker reflects on the past, noting that "we have known the long defeat of the living." This suggests a sense of loss or regret, perhaps for missed opportunities or lost loved ones. However, the speaker also notes that "we have learned that love is our only reason for living." This suggests that despite the hardships of life, love is what gives it meaning and purpose.
The poem ends with the line, "Calmly we walk through this April's day, / Metropolitan poetry here and there, / In the park sit pauper and rentier, / The screaming children, the motor-car / Fugitive about us, running away, / Between the worker and the millionaire / Number provides all distances, / It is Nineteen Thirty-Seven now, / Many great dears are taken away, / What will become of you and me / (This is the school in which we learn ...) / Besides the photo and the memory?" This final stanza is a reflection on the modern world and the changes that have taken place since the beginning of the poem. The speaker notes the contrast between the natural beauty of the park and the noise and chaos of the city. He also reflects on the passing of time and the inevitability of change. The final lines suggest a sense of uncertainty about the future, but also a recognition of the importance of memory and the legacy we leave behind.
In conclusion, Calmly We Walk Through This April's Day is a beautiful and thought-provoking poem that explores themes of nature, mortality, love, and the passing of time. It is a reminder to appreciate the present moment and to live life to the fullest, while also recognizing the transience of life and the importance of memory. The poem is a testament to the power of poetry to capture the beauty and complexity of the human experience.
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