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METEORITE, by             Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography

Randall Jarrell's poem "Meteorite" presents a brief yet profound meditation on transformation, connection, and the desire for renewal. In just a few lines, Jarrell captures the essence of a celestial event and translates it into a deeply personal and existential reflection.

The poem opens with an address to a "Star," a celestial being that has the power to select and transform. The star, personified and imbued with intention, searches "among the stones" and selects one that is "half iron and half dirt." This duality of the chosen stone—part metal, part earth—symbolizes the raw, unrefined potential within it. The star's selection of this particular stone suggests a deliberate choice, perhaps seeing something unique or valuable in its composition.

The star's act of bending down and putting the stone to her lips is a tender, almost nurturing gesture. This anthropomorphic action bridges the gap between the cosmic and the terrestrial, infusing the inanimate stone with life through the star's breath. The image of breathing upon the stone until it burns conveys a sense of awakening or ignition, where the stone, once lifeless, begins to glow with newfound energy and purpose. The burning "uncertainly" among the stars, its sisters, highlights its tentative yet significant transformation. It suggests that even in the vast expanse of the cosmos, individual change and emergence are possible, though they may be fragile and hesitant.

The poem's closing lines shift from the cosmic to the personal, with the speaker addressing the star directly: "Breathe on me still, star, sister." Here, the speaker identifies with the stone, yearning for the same transformative breath that brought the stone to life. The invocation of "sister" establishes a kinship between the speaker and the star, suggesting a shared essence or connection. This plea for renewal and revitalization underscores the human desire for growth, change, and the infusion of new energy and purpose.

Jarrell's use of simple yet evocative language creates a powerful imagery that resonates with both cosmic grandeur and intimate human longing. The poem's brevity enhances its impact, leaving readers with a vivid impression of the transformative power of a single breath and the deep connections that can exist between seemingly disparate elements of the universe.

"Meteorite" can be seen as a metaphor for the human condition, where individuals, like the stone, possess inherent potential waiting to be awakened. The star's breath represents inspiration, love, or divine intervention that can ignite this potential, enabling one to shine among the vastness of existence. The poem's existential undertones reflect the universal quest for meaning and the hope for transformation through connection with something greater.

In essence, Jarrell's "Meteorite" is a lyrical exploration of transformation and the interconnectedness of all things. Through the celestial imagery and the speaker's personal plea, the poem captures the delicate balance between the cosmic and the individual, the inanimate and the living, the uncertain and the hopeful. It is a testament to the enduring human spirit and the perpetual search for renewal and purpose.


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