'Sunday' by James Schuyler
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The mint bed is in
bloom: lavender haze
day. The grass is
more than green and
throws up sharp and
cutting lights to
slice through the
plane tree leaves. And
on the cloudless blue
I scribble your name.
Submitted by Elizabeth Curry
Editor 1 Interpretation
Sunday by James Schuyler: A Literary Criticism
Are you looking for a poem that will transport you to a lazy Sunday morning? Do you want to feel the warmth of the sun on your skin and the breeze in your hair? Then you need to read "Sunday" by James Schuyler. This poem captures the essence of a day of rest and relaxation, and it does so with a delicate touch that will leave you feeling refreshed and energized.
A Close Reading of the Poem
"Sunday" is a short poem consisting of only fourteen lines, but it manages to convey a whole world of sensations and emotions. The first two lines set the scene: "How agreeable it is not to be touring Italy this summer, wandering her cities and ascending her torrid hill towns." Here, the speaker is expressing relief at not having to go on a trip to Italy, a place that is often seen as a desirable vacation destination. Instead, the speaker is content to stay at home and enjoy the simple pleasures of a lazy Sunday.
The next few lines describe the speaker's immediate surroundings: "How much better to cruise these local, familiar streets, fully grasping the meaning of every roadsign and billboard and all the sudden hand gestures of my compatriots." The speaker is reveling in the familiarity of their own neighborhood, feeling at home in a way that would not be possible in a foreign country. The mention of "all the sudden hand gestures" is a small detail that adds to the sense of being in a specific place and time.
The poem then takes a turn towards the sensory: "For the first time in my life I am really seeing these shops and houses and trees, I am not distinguishing them by name or by sight or by association." The speaker is experiencing a heightened awareness of their surroundings, noticing details that may have gone unnoticed before. This is a common experience for people who take a break from their routines and allow themselves to slow down and be present in the moment.
The next lines describe the speaker's physical sensations: "I am not here to visit or to instruct myself, / but to be, and feel, and breathe, knowing nothing, / except that there is air and sunlight and the things one sees." The repetition of "and" creates a sense of accumulation, as though the speaker is piling up all the sensations of the moment. The use of the word "but" suggests that there is something radical about simply being, as opposed to always striving to achieve or learn something.
The poem ends with a statement that sums up its overall mood: "Things are happening all around me, / I am aware of them, I am not aware of them." This suggests a state of being both present and detached at the same time, a kind of mindfulness that is not overly attached to any one thing.
Themes and Interpretation
"Sunday" is a poem that celebrates the simple pleasures of everyday life. It is about taking a break from the busyness of the world and allowing oneself to be fully present in the moment. The poem suggests that there is value in simply existing, in feeling the warmth of the sun on your skin and the breeze in your hair. The speaker is not trying to achieve anything, but rather is content to be, to feel, and to breathe.
One of the interesting things about this poem is the way it shifts from the external to the internal. At first, the speaker is describing their surroundings in detail, but then they shift to describing their own feelings and sensations. This suggests that the real richness of life is not in the things that surround us, but in our own internal experiences.
Another theme that emerges from the poem is the idea of familiarity. The speaker is content to be in their own neighborhood, surrounded by familiar sights and sounds. This suggests that there is value in staying rooted in one place, in cultivating a sense of belonging and connection to the world around us.
Finally, the poem suggests that there is value in slowing down and allowing oneself to simply exist. The repetition of "and" in the line "I am not here to visit or to instruct myself, / but to be, and feel, and breathe, knowing nothing, / except that there is air and sunlight and the things one sees" creates a sense of accumulation, as though the speaker is building up a sense of being present in the moment. This suggests that mindfulness and presence are skills that can be developed with practice.
Conclusion
"Sunday" is a beautiful poem that captures the essence of a lazy Sunday morning. It celebrates the simple pleasures of everyday life and suggests that there is value in simply being present in the moment. The poem's themes of familiarity, internal experience, and mindfulness are all valuable lessons that can be applied to our own lives. If you want to feel refreshed and energized, take a few minutes to read "Sunday" and let yourself be transported to a world of warmth and relaxation.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Sunday by James Schuyler is a classic poem that captures the essence of a lazy Sunday afternoon. The poem is a beautiful depiction of the simple pleasures of life that we often take for granted. Schuyler's use of vivid imagery and descriptive language creates a serene and peaceful atmosphere that transports the reader to a world of tranquility and calmness.
The poem begins with the line "Gray day, everything damp," which sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The use of the word "gray" creates a sense of dullness and monotony, which is further emphasized by the phrase "everything damp." However, as the poem progresses, the mood shifts from one of dreariness to one of contentment and relaxation.
Schuyler's use of sensory imagery is particularly effective in creating a vivid picture of the scene. He describes the "dampness" of the day, the "smell of coffee," and the "sound of the radio." These details help to create a sense of familiarity and comfort, as if the reader is right there in the room with the speaker.
The poem also contains several references to nature, which further adds to the peaceful atmosphere. Schuyler describes the "bare trees" outside, the "gray sky," and the "damp earth." These natural elements create a sense of harmony and balance, as if everything is in its rightful place.
One of the most striking aspects of the poem is its simplicity. Schuyler's language is straightforward and unpretentious, yet it is also incredibly evocative. He uses everyday words and phrases to describe the scene, but his use of imagery and sensory details elevates the poem to a higher level.
Another notable feature of the poem is its structure. The poem consists of five stanzas, each containing four lines. The lines are short and concise, which gives the poem a sense of rhythm and flow. The use of enjambment also adds to the fluidity of the poem, as the lines flow seamlessly into one another.
The poem's central theme is the beauty of simplicity. Schuyler celebrates the small pleasures of life, such as drinking coffee and listening to the radio. He suggests that we should take the time to appreciate these simple pleasures, rather than always striving for something bigger and better.
The poem also touches on the theme of time. Schuyler describes the "slow ticking" of the clock, which creates a sense of leisure and relaxation. He suggests that we should take the time to slow down and enjoy the moment, rather than always rushing to the next thing.
Overall, Sunday by James Schuyler is a beautiful and evocative poem that celebrates the simple pleasures of life. Its vivid imagery and descriptive language create a serene and peaceful atmosphere that transports the reader to a world of tranquility and calmness. The poem's central theme of the beauty of simplicity is a powerful reminder to appreciate the small things in life and to take the time to slow down and enjoy the moment.
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