Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

FOR LAURA, by EMANUEL DI PASQUALE Poet Analysis Poet's Biography

"For Laura" by Emanuel Di Pasquale is a delicate and lyrical ode to Laura, a figure who is presented with ethereal beauty and a seemingly magical influence over nature. The poem encapsulates a moment of admiration and affection, where Laura is elevated above the mere mortal realm, likened to a force of nature herself. Through a series of vivid, enchanting images, Di Pasquale crafts a portrait of a person who not only dwells within the natural world but also commands its elements with the ease of breathing.

The poem begins by describing Laura as "Lighter than June winds," immediately setting a tone of lightness and grace that pervades the entire piece. This comparison to the gentle winds of early summer conveys a sense of freshness and vitality, suggesting that Laura possesses an innate ability to renew and invigorate the world around her. The statement that she "teaches birds to fly" further elevates Laura, attributing her with a god-like quality, as if her very presence is enough to inspire the birds to take their first leap into the sky.

Di Pasquale continues this motif of natural mastery by saying she teaches "sunrays how to skate on the bark of a birch." This imagery is striking in its specificity and beauty, painting a picture of sunlight moving with the grace and fluidity of a skater, guided by Laura's influence. The use of the birch tree, known for its distinctive, light-colored bark, emphasizes the theme of purity and light that surrounds Laura.

The poem then delves into more animated imagery, with "Proud pheasants pirouette for her." Here, Laura's impact on nature is such that even the proudest of birds perform in her honor, suggesting a celebration of her presence. This line evokes a scene of natural harmony and joy, with the pheasants' dance symbolizing the animal kingdom's acknowledgment of her special status.

In a seamless continuation of the theme of Laura as a life-giving force, Di Pasquale writes, "Lakes and streams drink from her eyes." This metaphor is deeply evocative, portraying Laura as a source of sustenance and life for the natural world. Her eyes, typically a symbol of perception and emotion, are here transformed into wellsprings that nourish the earth itself.

The statement "The skies rush about her" further emphasizes the natural world's response to Laura, portraying the skies as active participants that swirl around her in a protective or perhaps adulatory manner. This line conveys a sense of movement and dynamism, encapsulating the idea that Laura's presence is so vital that it stirs the heavens themselves into action.

Lastly, "To touch her hair, air jostles air" beautifully concludes the poem, encapsulating the essence of Laura's interaction with the natural world. This line suggests a gentle yet profound connection between Laura and the elements, where even the air competes for the privilege of caressing her. It speaks to the intimate and almost sacred relationship between the person and the environment, where Laura is both a part of the natural world and its muse.

"For Laura" is a celebration of an individual who embodies the beauty, grace, and nurturing power of nature. Through its vivid imagery and lyrical elegance, the poem portrays Laura as a figure of light and life, whose very existence elevates and enriches the world around her. Emanuel Di Pasquale's work is a testament to the profound and often ineffable ways in which the people we admire can inspire us, reminding us of the beauty in the world and our connection to it.

POEM TEXT:

Lighter than June winds,

she teaches birds to fly

and sunrays how to skate

on the bark of a birch.

Proud pheasants pirouette for her.

Lakes and streams drink from her eyes.

The skies rush about her.

To touch her hair, air jostles air.