'Closed Gentian Distances' by James Schuyler


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The Crystal Lithium1972A nothing day full of
wild beauty and the
timer pings. Roll up
the silver off the bay
take down the clouds
sort the spruce and
send to laundry marked,
more starch. Goodbye
golden- and silver-
rod, asters, bayberry
crisp in elegance.
Little fish stream
by, a river in water.

Editor 1 Interpretation

"Closed Gentian Distances" by James Schuyler: A Masterpiece of Poetic Elegance

If there is one poem that truly captures the essence of the American landscape and the melancholic beauty of its natural surroundings, it is "Closed Gentian Distances" by James Schuyler. This poem is a masterful work of art that not only showcases the poet's mastery of language and rhythm but also evokes a sense of nostalgia and longing that is both universal and deeply personal.

At its core, "Closed Gentian Distances" is a meditation on the passing of time and the transience of all things. The poem is divided into three parts, each of which explores a different aspect of this theme. In the first part, the poet describes the gentian flowers that he has encountered in his wanderings. These flowers, with their deep blue petals and delicate shapes, are a symbol of beauty that is fleeting and fragile. As the poet notes, "they come and go, / a suddenness that is not theirs but ours." Here, Schuyler is reminding us that the beauty of the world is always in a state of flux, and that it is up to us to appreciate it while it lasts.

In the second part of the poem, the poet turns his attention to the landscape around him. He describes the hills and valleys, the trees and rocks, and the way that they all seem to blend together in an endless tapestry of color and texture. But even as he marvels at the beauty of the world, the poet is aware that it is constantly changing, and that the things he sees today may not be there tomorrow. "The landscape changes, / and nothing stays," he writes, "not even ourselves."

Finally, in the third part of the poem, Schuyler reflects on his own mortality and the way that he, too, is subject to the same forces of change that he has been describing throughout the poem. He notes that "even as we live, / we are always dying," and that this awareness of our own mortality can be both a source of sadness and a reason to appreciate the beauty of the world around us.

One of the most striking things about "Closed Gentian Distances" is the way that Schuyler uses language to create a sense of fluidity and movement. The poem is written in free verse, with no strict rhyme or meter, and the lines flow into one another like the hills and valleys that the poet describes. This gives the poem a sense of naturalness and spontaneity that is perfectly suited to its subject matter.

Another notable aspect of the poem is the way that Schuyler uses imagery to evoke a sense of nostalgia and longing. The gentian flowers, with their delicate beauty and fleeting nature, are a perfect symbol of the things that we love but can never hold onto. The landscape around the poet, with its ever-changing colors and textures, is a reminder that everything in life is constantly in motion. And the poet's own mortality, which he confronts in the final section of the poem, is a powerful reminder that time is always ticking away.

In conclusion, "Closed Gentian Distances" is a masterpiece of poetic elegance that captures the essence of the American landscape and the transience of all things. Through his use of language, imagery, and rhythm, James Schuyler evokes a sense of nostalgia and longing that is both universal and deeply personal. This is a poem that will resonate with readers for generations to come, reminding us to appreciate the beauty of the world around us while we still can.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry is a form of art that has the power to evoke emotions and transport us to different worlds. One such poem that has the ability to do just that is James Schuyler's "Closed Gentian Distances." This classic poem is a masterpiece that captures the essence of nature and the beauty of life. In this article, we will delve into the intricacies of this poem and explore its themes, structure, and language.

"Closed Gentian Distances" is a poem that celebrates the beauty of nature and the joy of life. The poem is a tribute to the gentian flower, which is known for its vibrant blue color and its ability to bloom in the harshest of conditions. The poem is divided into three stanzas, each of which explores a different aspect of the gentian flower.

The first stanza of the poem describes the gentian flower in its natural habitat. The poet describes the flower as "blue as the sky" and "closed as a fist." This imagery creates a sense of mystery and intrigue, as if the flower is hiding a secret. The poet also describes the flower as "growing among the stones," which emphasizes the flower's resilience and ability to thrive in difficult conditions.

The second stanza of the poem explores the relationship between the gentian flower and the natural world. The poet describes the flower as "a star in the grass," which suggests that the flower is a beacon of hope and light in a dark world. The poet also describes the flower as "a blue thought in a green shade," which creates a sense of harmony and balance between the flower and its surroundings.

The third and final stanza of the poem is a reflection on the beauty of life. The poet describes the gentian flower as "a gift from the universe," which suggests that life itself is a gift. The poet also describes the flower as "a blue cup," which symbolizes the abundance and richness of life. The final line of the poem, "drink in the beauty and live," is a call to action, urging the reader to embrace the beauty of life and live it to the fullest.

The structure of "Closed Gentian Distances" is simple yet effective. The poem is divided into three stanzas, each of which explores a different aspect of the gentian flower. The first stanza describes the flower in its natural habitat, the second stanza explores the flower's relationship with the natural world, and the third stanza is a reflection on the beauty of life. The use of repetition, such as the repetition of the word "blue," creates a sense of unity and cohesion throughout the poem.

The language used in "Closed Gentian Distances" is simple yet powerful. The poet uses vivid imagery to create a sense of wonder and awe. The use of metaphors, such as "a star in the grass" and "a blue thought in a green shade," creates a sense of harmony and balance between the flower and its surroundings. The use of personification, such as "the universe gave," creates a sense of gratitude and appreciation for the beauty of life.

In conclusion, "Closed Gentian Distances" is a masterpiece that celebrates the beauty of nature and the joy of life. The poem is a tribute to the gentian flower, which is known for its resilience and ability to thrive in difficult conditions. The structure of the poem is simple yet effective, and the language used is powerful and evocative. This classic poem is a reminder to embrace the beauty of life and live it to the fullest.

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