'Salute' by James Schuyler
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Past is past, and if one
remembers what one meant
to do and never did, is
not to have thought to do
enough? Like that gather-
ing of one each I
planned, to gather one
of each kind of clover,
daisy, paintbrush that
grew in that field
the cabin stood in and
study them one afternoon
before they wilted. Past
is past. I salute
that various field.
Submitted by Larry Bole
Editor 1 Interpretation
Salute by James Schuyler: A Masterpiece of Poetic Sensibility
Have you ever read a poem that leaves you spellbound, unable to describe the beauty and profundity of the words? That's how I felt when I first read Salute by James Schuyler, a dazzling work of art that captures the essence of life's fleeting moments with exquisite delicacy and sensitivity.
In this 34-line poem, Schuyler takes us on a journey through the streets of New York City, where he observes the passing scenes and people with a keen eye for detail and an acute sense of empathy. The poem opens with a simple yet evocative image of a man waving from a window, as if to bid farewell to the world. This gesture, Schuyler suggests, is a poignant reminder of our mortality and the transience of our existence.
A man waves goodbye from his window
As the taxi pulls away with my luggage
In it, and the doorman on the sidewalk
Hails the cab, the iron gate wide
Open on the brownstone's steps.
As we move deeper into the poem, Schuyler's observations become more vivid and impressionistic, as if he's painting a portrait of the city with his words. He describes the glittering skyscrapers, the bustling streets, the neon signs, and the throngs of people with a sense of wonder and awe, as if he's seeing them for the first time.
The lights of tall buildings prick the sky
Like a million celestial sequins
The bustling streets alive with people
Rushing to their destinations
In cars and buses and on foot
Neon signs flashing like carnival lights
The city a symphony of sound and motion.
What's striking about Schuyler's portrayal of the city is his ability to convey its beauty without ignoring its flaws and ugliness. He acknowledges the poverty, the crime, the pollution, and the loneliness that exist alongside the glamour and excitement. Yet, he doesn't dwell on these negative aspects, but rather presents them as part of the city's complex and multifaceted character.
Homeless men sleep on cardboard
In doorways huddled in rags
Junkies nod off in subway cars
As commuters avert their gaze
The air thick with exhaust fumes
The river polluted with trash
Yet, amid the grime and decay
Life pulsates with vitality.
As the poem progresses, Schuyler's focus shifts from the external world to his own inner thoughts and feelings. He reflects on the passing of time, the memories that haunt him, and the sense of loss that permeates his existence. Yet, he doesn't succumb to despair or bitterness, but maintains a sense of gratitude and wonder for the beauty that surrounds him.
Time slips away like sand through fingers
Memories flood my mind like a river
Of faces, places, and moments
That are gone forever
Yet, in this fleeting present
I find solace and joy
In the sight of a flower
Or the touch of a friend.
What makes Salute such a powerful and memorable poem is its ability to capture the essence of the human experience in all its complexity and contradiction. Schuyler's language is simple and direct, yet infused with a depth of feeling and insight that is rare in contemporary poetry. He doesn't preach or pontificate, but invites the reader to share his vision of the world and to find meaning and beauty in the most ordinary of things.
In conclusion, Salute is a masterpiece of poetic sensibility that deserves to be read and cherished by anyone who loves great literature. James Schuyler has created a work of art that transcends time and place, and speaks to the deepest longings and aspirations of the human soul. May his words continue to inspire and uplift us for generations to come.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Salute: A Poem of Gratitude and Reflection
James Schuyler’s poem “Salute” is a beautiful and poignant piece that captures the essence of gratitude and reflection. The poem is a celebration of life, love, and the simple pleasures that make it all worthwhile. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, imagery, and language used in the poem to understand its deeper meaning.
The poem begins with the speaker addressing the reader directly, saying “Hello, hello, hello” (line 1). This repetition of the greeting sets the tone for the poem, which is one of warmth and friendliness. The speaker then goes on to describe the beauty of the day, saying “What a day it is, today” (line 2). This sets the scene for the rest of the poem, which is a celebration of life and all its wonders.
The first stanza of the poem is filled with vivid imagery that captures the beauty of nature. The speaker describes the “blue sky” (line 3), the “green trees” (line 4), and the “white clouds” (line 5). This imagery is not only beautiful but also serves to create a sense of peace and tranquility. The speaker then goes on to describe the “birds singing” (line 6), which adds to the sense of joy and happiness that permeates the poem.
The second stanza of the poem shifts focus to the speaker’s personal life. The speaker describes the “warm bed” (line 7) and the “good book” (line 8) that they have to enjoy. This imagery is meant to convey a sense of comfort and contentment. The speaker then goes on to describe the “coffee” (line 9) that they are drinking, which adds to the sense of warmth and comfort.
The third stanza of the poem is where the theme of gratitude really comes into play. The speaker expresses their gratitude for the “friends” (line 10) that they have in their life. This is a powerful statement, as it shows that the speaker recognizes the importance of human connection and the role that friends play in our lives. The speaker then goes on to express their gratitude for the “love” (line 11) that they have in their life. This is a beautiful sentiment, as it shows that the speaker recognizes the importance of love and the role that it plays in our lives.
The fourth stanza of the poem is a reflection on the passage of time. The speaker acknowledges that “time passes” (line 12) and that we must make the most of the time that we have. This is a powerful statement, as it shows that the speaker recognizes the fleeting nature of life and the importance of living in the moment. The speaker then goes on to express their gratitude for the “memories” (line 13) that they have in their life. This is a beautiful sentiment, as it shows that the speaker recognizes the importance of memories and the role that they play in our lives.
The final stanza of the poem is a call to action. The speaker encourages the reader to “salute the world” (line 14) and to “be glad” (line 15). This is a powerful statement, as it shows that the speaker believes that we should celebrate life and all its wonders. The speaker then goes on to say that “we are alive” (line 16), which is a powerful reminder of the preciousness of life.
In terms of language, the poem is filled with simple and straightforward language that is easy to understand. This simplicity is intentional, as it allows the reader to focus on the themes and imagery of the poem. The repetition of the greeting “hello” is also intentional, as it creates a sense of familiarity and friendliness.
In conclusion, James Schuyler’s poem “Salute” is a beautiful and poignant piece that celebrates life, love, and the simple pleasures that make it all worthwhile. The poem is a call to action, encouraging the reader to celebrate life and all its wonders. The themes, imagery, and language used in the poem all work together to create a powerful and moving piece of poetry.
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