Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"The Round" is a poem by American poet Stanley Kunitz. It was first published in his 1971 collection "Passing Through: The Later Poems, New and Selected". Kunitz was a highly respected American poet who served as the Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry to the Library of Congress twice, and won several awards for his work, including the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Award.

Explanation:

"The Round" is a powerful and evocative poem that explores the themes of love, connection, and the beauty of the natural world. The speaker reflects on a moment of intense connection with a loved one, as they sit together by the ocean and contemplate the vastness of the universe.

As the speaker contemplates the beauty and complexity of the world around them, they become increasingly aware of the interconnectedness of all living things, and the power of love and connection to transcend time and space. The poem ends on a note of wonder and reverence, as the speaker acknowledges the beauty and mystery of the universe, and the ways in which we are all connected to one another and to the larger universe.

Poetic Elements:

• Form: "The Round" is a free verse poem, meaning it does not adhere to a strict rhyme or meter scheme.
• Imagery: The poem is full of vivid, sensory images, such as the "whale-boned corsets" and the "gulls' wild wings".
• Tone: The tone of the poem is celebratory and reverent, with moments of both joy and wonder.
• Metaphor: The ocean is a metaphor for the vastness and mystery of the universe, while the round shape of the world represents the cyclical nature of life.

Conclusion:

"The Round" is a beautifully crafted and deeply moving poem that celebrates the beauty and complexity of the natural world, and the power of love and connection to transcend time and space. Kunitz's use of vivid imagery and rich language creates a sense of wonder and reverence for the world around us, while his exploration of the interconnectedness of all living things adds depth and nuance to the poem.

Poem Snippet:

"I can see the swirls in the oilcloth,

I can see the flaws in the glass,

those flares where the sun hits them.

I can see myself eyeing

the round, magical world, the blue air."

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