'The Charm Of 5:30' by David Berman


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Actual Air1999It's too nice a day to read a novel set in England.We're within inches of the perfect distance from the sun,
the sky is blueberries and cream,
and the wind is as warm as air from a tire.
Even the headstones in the graveyardSeem to stand up and say "Hello! My name is..."It's enough to be sitting here on my porch,
thinking about Kermit Roosevelt,
following the course of an ant,
or walking out into the yard with a cordless phoneto find out she is going to be there tonightOn a day like today, what looks like bad news in the distance
turns out to be something on my contact, carports and white
courtesy phones are spontaneously reappreciatedand random "okay"s ring through the backyards.This morning I discovered the red tints in colawhen I held a glass of it up to the light
and found an expensive flashlight in the pocket of a winter coatI was packing away for summer.It all reminds me of that moment when you take off your sunglasses
after a long drive and realize it's earlier
and lighter out than you had accounted for.You know what I'm talking about,and that's the kind of fellowship that's taking place in town, out in
the public spaces.You won't overhear anyone using the words
"dramaturgy" or "state inspection today.We're too busy getting along.It occurs to me that the laws are in the regions and the regions are
in the laws, and it feels good to say this, something that I'm almost
sure is true, outside under the sun.Then to say it again, around friends, in the resonant voice of a
nineteenth-century senator, just for a lark.There's a shy looking fellow on the courthouse steps, holding up a
placard that says "But, I kinda liked Reagan."His head turns slowly
as a beautiful girl walks by, holding a refrigerated bottle up against
her flushed cheek.She smiles at me and I allow myself to imagine her walking into
town to buy lotion at a brick pharmacy.
When she gets home she'll apply it with great lingering care before
moving into her parlor to play 78 records and drink gin-and-tonics
beside her homemade altar to James Madison.In a town of this size, it's certainly possible that I'll be invited over
one night.In fact I'll bet you something.Somewhere in the future I am remembering today.I'll bet you
I'm remembering how I walked into the park at five thirty,
my favorite time of day, and how I found two cold pitchers
of just poured beer, sitting there on the bench.I am remembering how my friend Chip showed up
with a catcher's mask hanging from his belt and how I saidgreat to see you, sit down, have a beer, how are you,
and how he turned to me with the sunset reflecting off his contacts
and said, wonderful, how are you.

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Charm of 5:30 by David Berman: A Literary Criticism

Have you ever heard of David Berman? He is a renowned American poet and musician, best known as the frontman of the indie rock band, Silver Jews. However, he was also a brilliant poet, and his work has been praised for its emotional depth and quirky humor. In this literary criticism, I will be discussing one of his most famous poems, The Charm of 5:30.

The Charm of 5:30 is a short, yet powerful poem that captures the essence of the mundane moments of our lives. The poem is divided into three stanzas, each containing four lines. The first stanza sets the scene, as Berman describes the time of day as the "perfect time to be awake." He goes on to describe the silence and stillness of the world, as if everything is waiting for something to happen.

The second stanza introduces the idea of loneliness, as Berman describes a person watching their own reflection in the mirror. The person is described as being "lonely as a cloud," which is a reference to William Wordsworth's poem, "I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud." Like the cloud, the person is alone, floating in their own thoughts and feelings. However, Berman adds a twist to the cliche, as he describes the person as being "happy with company." This line is a paradox, as how can someone be happy with company when they are alone? It is this kind of unusual phrasing that makes Berman's poetry so unique and captivating.

The third and final stanza brings the poem to its climax, as the person in the poem is described as feeling a sense of "grace." This is a powerful word, as it suggests a feeling of transcendence or spiritual enlightenment. Berman describes the person as feeling "the charm of 5:30," which is a metaphor for the beauty and wonder of life itself. Even in the midst of loneliness and isolation, there is still something magical about existence.

But what is the meaning behind The Charm of 5:30? At its core, the poem is about finding beauty and meaning in the mundane moments of our lives. The time of day, 5:30, is not typically associated with anything special or significant. However, Berman suggests that there is something inherently beautiful and meaningful about this time. It is a time of day when everything is still and quiet, when we can take a moment to reflect on our lives and ourselves.

Furthermore, the poem is about the human experience of loneliness. We all experience moments of loneliness and isolation, even when we are surrounded by others. However, Berman suggests that there is a certain beauty and even happiness in these moments. We can find comfort in our own thoughts and feelings, and we can even find a sense of connection with the world around us.

Finally, the poem is about the power of grace and transcendence. Berman suggests that even in the most ordinary moments of our lives, there is a sense of something greater and more meaningful. We can experience moments of transcendence and spiritual enlightenment, even in the midst of our loneliness and isolation.

In conclusion, The Charm of 5:30 is a beautiful and powerful poem that captures the essence of the human experience. It is a poem about finding beauty and meaning in the mundane moments of our lives, about the power of loneliness and self-reflection, and about the transcendent nature of existence itself. David Berman was a master of words, and this poem is a testament to his talent and skill. If you haven't read it yet, I highly recommend you do so. You won't be disappointed.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The Charm of 5:30: A Poetic Masterpiece by David Berman

David Berman’s “The Charm of 5:30” is a poem that captures the essence of a moment in time, a moment that is both fleeting and eternal. The poem is a celebration of the beauty and simplicity of everyday life, and it speaks to the human desire for connection and meaning. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, imagery, and language of the poem, and examine how they work together to create a powerful and evocative piece of poetry.

The poem begins with a simple statement: “There is a charm about the forbidden that makes it unspeakably desirable.” This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as it suggests that there is something special and alluring about the things that we are not supposed to do or have. However, the poem quickly moves away from this idea and instead focuses on the beauty of the everyday. The speaker describes a scene at 5:30 in the morning, when the world is still and quiet, and the light is soft and golden. This moment, the speaker suggests, is a kind of forbidden beauty, as it is something that most people miss or overlook.

The imagery in the poem is rich and evocative, and it helps to create a vivid picture of the scene. The speaker describes the “damp grass” and the “cool air,” and we can almost feel the moisture on our skin and the chill in the air. The speaker also describes the “faintly misty” light, which creates a dreamy, otherworldly atmosphere. This imagery is important because it helps to convey the sense of wonder and magic that the speaker feels in this moment.

One of the most striking features of the poem is its use of repetition. The phrase “the charm of 5:30” is repeated several times throughout the poem, and each time it is repeated, it takes on a slightly different meaning. At first, the phrase seems to refer to the beauty of the moment itself, but as the poem progresses, it becomes clear that the charm is also in the speaker’s connection to the world around them. The speaker describes feeling “at one with the birds” and “part of the rhythm of the world,” and this sense of connection is what makes the moment so special.

The language in the poem is simple and direct, but it is also poetic and evocative. The speaker uses words like “damp,” “cool,” and “misty” to create a sensory experience for the reader, and the repetition of the phrase “the charm of 5:30” gives the poem a musical quality. The language is also important because it helps to convey the speaker’s sense of wonder and awe. The speaker is clearly moved by the beauty of the moment, and the language reflects this emotional response.

The themes of the poem are universal and timeless. The poem speaks to the human desire for connection and meaning, and it suggests that these things can be found in the most ordinary moments of life. The poem also suggests that there is something special and alluring about the things that we are not supposed to do or have, but it ultimately celebrates the beauty of the everyday. The poem is a reminder to slow down and appreciate the world around us, and to find joy in the simple things.

In conclusion, David Berman’s “The Charm of 5:30” is a powerful and evocative poem that captures the beauty and simplicity of everyday life. The poem is a celebration of the human desire for connection and meaning, and it suggests that these things can be found in the most ordinary moments of life. The imagery, language, and themes of the poem work together to create a vivid and emotional experience for the reader, and the poem is a reminder to slow down and appreciate the world around us.

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