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Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained | |||
"Gratitude to Old Teachers" by Robert Bly is a reflective and profound poem that pays homage to the enduring influence of educators in our lives. Through the metaphor of walking across a frozen lake, Bly captures the essence of the journey of learning and the foundational role that teachers play in guiding and supporting their students. The poem explores themes of growth, transition, and the silent, often unrecognized contributions of teachers to the development of their students. The opening lines introduce the imagery of crossing a frozen lake, a task that requires courage and trust in the unseen support beneath the ice. This act symbolizes the venture into the unknown that learning often represents, with each step marking a place "where they have never been." The mention of "our feet" suggests a collective experience, reflecting the universal nature of the learning process and the shared journey of students. The feeling of unease mentioned as the travelers "walk upon the unwalked" captures the apprehension and uncertainty that accompany new discoveries and the expansion of one's boundaries. This apprehension, however, is met with a profound realization: beneath the ice, supporting their journey, are their "old teachers." This recognition serves as a metaphor for the foundational knowledge and wisdom that educators impart, which remains with students long after they have moved on, providing support in unseen but tangible ways. The transformation of water, "that once could take no human weight," into a solid path that "holds up our feet" and extends "ahead of us for a mile" symbolizes the transformative power of education. What was once impossible becomes possible through the guidance and support of teachers, who prepare their students to navigate the challenges of life with confidence and resilience. The closing lines, "Beneath us the teachers, and around us the stillness," emphasize the quiet, often unacknowledged presence of teachers in the lives of their students. Their influence is not always visible or celebrated, but it is pervasive and enduring, like the support of the frozen water beneath the travelers' feet. "Gratitude to Old Teachers" is a tribute to the lasting impact of educators, acknowledging their role in shaping the minds and hearts of their students. Bly's use of vivid imagery and metaphor invites readers to reflect on their own educational journeys and the individuals who have guided them along the way. The poem is a reminder of the deep gratitude owed to those who have taught us, not just academically, but in all aspects of life, providing a foundation upon which we build our futures.
| Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE CORRESPONDENCE-SCHOOL INSTRUCTOR SAYS GOODBYE TO HIS POETRY STUDENTS by GALWAY KINNELL TWO RAMAGES FOR OLD MASTERS by ROBERT BLY ON FLUNKING A NICE BOY OUT OF SCHOOL by JOHN CIARDI HER MONOLOGUE OF DARK CREPE WITH EDGES OF LIGHT by NORMAN DUBIE OF POLITICS, & ART by NORMAN DUBIE SEVERAL MEASURES FOR THE LITTLE LOST by NORMAN DUBIE |
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