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Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained | |||
"What Things Want" by Robert Bly is a contemplative poem that explores the theme of acceptance and the intrinsic value of allowing things to exist in their natural state. Through simple yet profound imagery, Bly invites readers to consider the idea that objects and elements of nature possess their own desires and places in the world, independent of human judgment or utility. This poem reflects on the relationship between humans and the material and natural world, advocating for a respectful coexistence that acknowledges the inherent worth of all beings and things. The poem begins with the assertion that "You have to let things / Occupy their own space." This opening line sets the tone for the poem, emphasizing the importance of non-interference and the recognition of the autonomy of objects and nature. By using the example of a small room and a green settee, Bly illustrates how even inanimate objects can "like" to be in certain spaces, suggesting that everything has its preferred place in the world. The transition to the natural imagery of "The big marsh reeds, / Crowding out the slough," further expands this idea to the natural world. The reeds, thriving in their environment, "Find the world good," indicating that nature, in its various forms, finds contentment and purpose in simply being. This line serves as a reminder of the natural world's intrinsic value and the sense of fulfillment that comes from existing in one's rightful place. Bly's repetition of "You have to let things / Be as they are" reinforces the poem's central message of acceptance and the recognition of the inherent worth of all entities, whether they are objects, plants, or animals. This stance challenges the human tendency to impose our will on the world, suggesting instead that a posture of humility and respect can lead to a deeper understanding of the value of existence in its many forms. The closing lines, "Who knows which of us / Deserves the world more?" pose a rhetorical question that underscores the poem's philosophical underpinnings. Bly suggests that the presumption of human superiority and entitlement to dominate the natural world is unfounded. Instead, he implies that all entities, human or otherwise, have an equal claim to exist and find their place in the world. "What Things Want" is a meditation on the respect for autonomy, the beauty of existence, and the interconnectedness of all things. Robert Bly, through his sparse and impactful verse, encourages a shift in perspective from control and ownership to one of stewardship and reverence. The poem invites readers to reflect on their relationship with the material and natural world, advocating for an approach that honors the desires and spaces of all beings and things. Through this contemplation, Bly suggests that a more harmonious and respectful coexistence is possible, rooted in the acknowledgment of the right of all things to simply be.
| Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE PRODIGAL SON by ROBERT BLY THE BIRDS DO THUS by ROBERT FROST ON THE BIRTH OF A CHILD by LOUIS UNTERMEYER OUT FROM BEHIND THIS MASK by WALT WHITMAN FOUR SONNETS: 4 by FRANK DAVIS ASHBURN AN AUTUMN TRINKET by THOMAS EDWARD BROWN GLIMPSES OF CHILDHOOD: 4. EARLY LOVES by RICHARD EUGENE BURTON FROM RUSSIAN HILL by INA DONNA COOLBRITH |
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