'Praise In Summer' by Richard Wilbur
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Obscurely yet most surely called to praise,
As sometimes summer calls us all, I said
The hills are heavens full of branching ways
Where star-nosed moles fly overhead the dead;
I said the trees are mines in air, I said
See how the sparrow burrows in the sky!
And then I wondered why this mad instead
Perverts our praise to uncreation, why
Such savour's in this wrenching things awry.
Does sense so stale that it must needs derange
The world to know it? To a praiseful eye
Should it not be enough of fresh and strange
That trees grow green, and moles can course
in clay,
And sparrows sweep the ceiling of our day?
Submitted by Elizabeth Curry
Editor 1 Interpretation
Praise In Summer by Richard Wilbur: A Masterpiece of Nature Poetry
As I read Richard Wilbur's "Praise In Summer," I couldn't help but be entranced by the sheer beauty of the poem. The vivid imagery, the lush descriptions of nature, and the skillful use of language all combine to create a work of art that is both breathtaking and thought-provoking.
At its heart, "Praise In Summer" is a celebration of the natural world. Wilbur invites us to revel in the beauty of summer, to savor its sights and sounds, and to contemplate the deeper meanings that lie beneath its surface. The poem is structured around a series of images and observations, each one building on the last to create a powerful and cohesive whole.
One of the most striking features of the poem is the way in which Wilbur uses language to capture the essence of summer. From the opening lines, we are bombarded with a sensory feast of colors, sounds, and smells:
"Obscurely yet most surely called to praise,
As sometimes summer calls us all, I said
The hills are heaven full of branching ways
Where star-nosed moles fly overhead the dead;"
Here, we see Wilbur's mastery of language on full display. The use of words like "obscurity" and "most surely" hint at the deeper mysteries of the natural world, while the image of the "hills...full of branching ways" suggests the vastness and complexity of the summer landscape. The reference to "star-nosed moles" is a particularly evocative touch, conjuring up images of tiny creatures scurrying about their business in the dark of night.
Throughout the poem, Wilbur employs a range of poetic devices to create a sense of rhythm and flow. There are echoes of traditional forms like sonnets and ballads, but also more experimental touches like enjambment and internal rhyme. These techniques serve to underscore the poem's central theme of interconnectedness, as each line flows seamlessly into the next:
"And steeple-crowned Jerusalem cherry trees,
White with vacationing bees, and verger skies—
There are the hills, there are the hummocks: see
The forsaken outskirts, frantic and stark."
Here, we see the interplay of sound and sense at work. The "steeple-crowned Jerusalem cherry trees" are described as being "white with vacationing bees," an image that is at once whimsical and profound. The use of alliteration and assonance in these lines serves to heighten the sense of wonder and delight that permeates the entire poem.
But it is not just the language that makes "Praise In Summer" such a remarkable work of art. It is also the way in which Wilbur uses his observations of nature to explore deeper philosophical questions. Throughout the poem, we are invited to consider the relationship between humanity and the natural world, and to reflect on our place within the larger scheme of things.
For example, in the lines:
"Small shadows of the grass, the insects' lairs,
Grow visible, and I would praise the grace
Which made the earth so variously aware,
And seldom forgets us, gesturing from some place"
Wilbur suggests that even the smallest creatures have a role to play in the grand scheme of things. The use of the word "grace" here is particularly interesting, suggesting a divine presence that is at once benevolent and mysterious.
Elsewhere in the poem, Wilbur explores the theme of mortality, suggesting that even the most vibrant and beautiful aspects of nature are subject to the ravages of time:
"But from it all I learn that I require
Some sleep as quiet as death, some way to shun
The thrusting falsity of day, the tiresome
Constraint of consciousness, the chatter of desire."
Here, we see the darker side of summer, the sense that even in the midst of all this beauty, there is an underlying current of loss and decay. Yet even in the face of this, Wilbur suggests that there is still room for hope, for the possibility of renewal and rebirth:
"I would forget verses of the night
And those other verses, too, which Dante gave
Gradual as honey dripping from the comb."
These lines suggest a desire to escape the limitations of time and space, to transcend the mortal world and experience something deeper and more transcendent.
In conclusion, "Praise In Summer" is a masterpiece of nature poetry, a work of art that combines vivid imagery, skillful language, and deep philosophical insights to create a powerful and memorable experience. Whether one is a lover of nature, a student of literature, or simply a person seeking meaning and beauty in the world around us, this poem has something to offer. It invites us to see the world with fresh eyes, to appreciate the beauty and complexity of the natural world, and to reflect on our place within it. Truly, a work of art that deserves to be celebrated and treasured for generations to come.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Praise In Summer: A Celebration of Nature's Bounty
Richard Wilbur's poem, Praise In Summer, is a beautiful ode to the joys of summer and the abundance of nature. The poem is a celebration of the season's bounty, with its lush greenery, blooming flowers, and buzzing insects. The poet's words paint a vivid picture of the summer landscape, evoking a sense of wonder and awe in the reader.
The poem begins with the line, "Obscurely yet most surely called to praise," which sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The speaker is acknowledging the beauty of the world around them and feels compelled to express their gratitude for it. The use of the word "obscurely" suggests that this feeling of praise is not always at the forefront of our minds, but it is always present, waiting to be called upon.
The first stanza of the poem focuses on the lush greenery of summer. The speaker describes the "green flesh" of the trees and the "thick leaves" that provide shade from the sun. The use of the word "flesh" to describe the trees is interesting because it suggests that they are alive and vibrant, much like human flesh. This personification of nature is a recurring theme throughout the poem.
The second stanza shifts the focus to the flowers of summer. The speaker describes the "bright stickiness" of the flowers, which suggests their vibrant colors and sweet fragrance. The use of the word "stickiness" is interesting because it implies that the flowers are so full of life that they are almost bursting with energy.
The third stanza of the poem focuses on the insects of summer. The speaker describes the "busy ants" and the "bees that ride the air." The use of the word "busy" to describe the ants and the word "ride" to describe the bees suggests that these creatures are not just going about their daily business, but they are doing so with a sense of purpose and joy.
The fourth stanza of the poem brings all of these elements together, describing the "green, thick, sweet smell of the summer air." The speaker is suggesting that all of these elements – the trees, the flowers, and the insects – combine to create a sensory experience that is truly unique to summer.
The final stanza of the poem is a call to action. The speaker urges the reader to "praise" the summer and all of its beauty. The use of the word "praise" is interesting because it suggests that the beauty of summer is not just something to be admired, but it is something to be celebrated and appreciated.
Overall, Praise In Summer is a beautiful poem that celebrates the beauty of nature and the joys of summer. The poet's use of vivid imagery and personification creates a sense of wonder and awe in the reader, and the call to action at the end of the poem encourages us to appreciate the beauty of the world around us.
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