Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

I AM WAITING, by LAWRENCE FERLINGHETTI Recitation by Author Poet Analysis Poet's Biography

"I Am Waiting" is a poem by American poet Lawrence Ferlinghetti, published in his collection "A Coney Island of the Mind" in 1958. The poem is known for its repetitive structure and themes of existentialism, disillusionment with society, and hope for a better future.

Explanation:

The poem is composed of three stanzas of equal length, with each stanza consisting of four lines. The first stanza introduces the theme of waiting, with the speaker proclaiming that he is "waiting for a rebirth of wonder" and "waiting for the Second Coming." The second stanza is more cynical, as the speaker is "waiting for the American Eagle to really spread its wings and straighten up and fly right." The third stanza offers hope, as the speaker declares that he is "waiting for the lost music to sound again" and for "the poets to invent a new language."

Poetic Elements:

Structure: The poem is composed of three stanzas of equal length, with each stanza consisting of four lines.
Repetition: The phrase "I am waiting" is repeated at the beginning of each stanza, emphasizing the theme of waiting throughout the poem.
Imagery: The poem contains several vivid images, such as "I am waiting for the war to be fought which will make the world safe for anarchy" and "I am waiting for the day when the sun rises up and the treetops sing."

Conclusion:

"I Am Waiting" is a powerful poem that captures the feelings of disillusionment and hopelessness that many people experienced during the 1950s. The repetitive structure and simple language add to the poem's impact, emphasizing the idea that the speaker is waiting for something to change in society. The final stanza offers a glimmer of hope, suggesting that there is still the possibility for creativity and innovation in the world.

Poem Snippet:

"I am waiting for my case to come up

and I am waiting

for a rebirth of wonder

and I am waiting for someone

to really discover America"