Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Samurai Song" is a poem by Robert Pinsky, first published in 1987 in his collection titled "History of My Heart." The poem speaks of the samurai's way of life, which emphasizes loyalty, courage, and a willingness to sacrifice oneself for a higher cause.

Explanation:

"Samurai Song" is a short poem that describes the ethos of the samurai warriors. The speaker portrays the samurai as people who are dedicated to their craft and who value honor and duty above all else. The poem begins with an image of the samurai on horseback, riding "through the country" in search of enemies to defeat. The speaker notes that the samurai are not seeking personal glory, but rather they are serving a higher purpose. The next stanza speaks of the samurai's strict discipline, as they practice their skills day and night, and their sense of loyalty to their lord, who they will serve until death.

The third stanza reflects on the samurai's acceptance of death, as they see it as an honorable fate. The speaker notes that the samurai do not fear death, as they know it is inevitable, and instead they strive to live in a way that will bring them honor and respect. The final stanza is a tribute to the samurai's way of life, as the speaker acknowledges that while their culture is different from his own, he still admires their courage and dedication.

Poetic Elements:

• Form: "Samurai Song" is a free-verse poem with four stanzas of varying lengths.
• Imagery: The poem is rich in imagery, evoking the image of the samurai on horseback, the sound of their swords, and the idea of death as an honorable fate.
• Diction: The poem uses precise and evocative language, such as "stranger," "blade," "stiff," and "darkness," to create a sense of the samurai's discipline and seriousness.
• Repetition: The repetition of the word "stranger" throughout the poem highlights the difference between the speaker's culture and that of the samurai.
• Tone: The tone of the poem is respectful and admiring, as the speaker acknowledges the samurai's way of life.

Conclusion:

"Samurai Song" is a powerful tribute to the samurai's way of life, highlighting their discipline, loyalty, and acceptance of death. Pinsky's use of vivid imagery and precise language creates a sense of the samurai's seriousness and dedication to their craft. The poem's respectful and admiring tone emphasizes the importance of honor and duty in the samurai's culture and offers a window into a different way of life and thought.

Poem Snippet:

When I had no roof I made

Audacity my roof.

Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!

Other Poems of Interest...