Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

THE DAY IS A POEM (SEPTEMBER 19, 1939), by ROBINSON JEFFERS Recitation by Author Poet Analysis Poet's Biography

"The Day is a Poem" is a poem written by Robinson Jeffers on September 19, 1939. Jeffers was an American poet, known for his love of nature and his philosophical reflections on the human condition. "The Day is a Poem" is considered one of his most famous and influential poems.

Explanation:

The poem begins with the line "The day is a poem, the poem is a day," suggesting a close connection between the natural world and the world of human experience. Jeffers goes on to describe the various elements of nature, such as the wind, the sea, and the mountains, as if they were lines of a poem, each with its own distinct voice and meaning.

Throughout the poem, Jeffers emphasizes the importance of paying attention to the natural world and its cycles, and he encourages readers to find meaning and inspiration in the beauty of the world around them. He writes, "There is no other world, / Only this one, only this rock / With its tide, its morning and evening / Look and its beginning and end."

In the final lines of the poem, Jeffers suggests that each day is a new opportunity to experience the beauty of the natural world and to find meaning in the simple pleasures of life. He writes, "Life is brief and the world / Will have its way with us. / When we look back over it / It will smolder like the cold / Wet ashes of a fire that has burned out."

Poetic Elements:

Form: The poem is written in free verse, without a specific rhyme scheme or meter. This allows Jeffers to experiment with the structure of the poem and to convey a sense of spontaneity and naturalness.
Imagery: Jeffers uses vivid and evocative imagery throughout the poem, describing the natural world in rich and detailed language. For example, he writes of "the wind like a whetted knife" and "the shadow of the hawk on the mountain."
Metaphor: Jeffers employs a metaphorical approach, comparing the natural world to a poem and suggesting that each day is a unique and precious work of art.
Tone: The tone of the poem is contemplative and reflective, with a sense of awe and wonder at the beauty and power of nature.

Summary:

Overall, "The Day is a Poem" is a powerful and moving tribute to the beauty and significance of nature, and a reminder of the importance of living in harmony with the world around us. Jeffers' use of poetic elements such as free verse, vivid imagery, and metaphor create a sense of the natural world as a work of art, to be cherished and appreciated. Through this poem, Jeffers encourages readers to find meaning and inspiration in the beauty of the world around them.

Poem Snippet:

"The shadow of the hawk

On the mountain, the shadow of the sails

On the water, the shadow of the clouds

On the land: but the shadows have vanished."