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Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained | |||
"This Is Just To Say" is a poem by William Carlos Williams that is known for its simplicity and understated humor. The poem consists of a note that the speaker has left for someone else, apologizing for having eaten some plums that were in the refrigerator. At first glance, the poem may seem to be a simple apology for eating someone else's food. However, the poem has been interpreted in many different ways, with critics and readers debating its meaning and significance for decades. One common interpretation of the poem is that it celebrates the small pleasures of everyday life, such as enjoying a delicious piece of fruit. The speaker describes the plums as being "so sweet and so cold," emphasizing the sensory experience of eating them. The poem has also been interpreted as a commentary on relationships and communication. The note that the speaker has left may be seen as a way of reaching out to someone else, of acknowledging a shared experience and attempting to connect. Overall, "This Is Just To Say" is a playful and lighthearted poem that challenges readers to look more closely at the small moments and pleasures of everyday life. The poem's spare language and understated humor have made it a favorite of readers and scholars alike, and it continues to be studied and debated to this day. Copyright (c) 2025 PoetryExplorer | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...A BREAD AND BUTTER LETTER by KENNETH REXROTH TO A POOR OLD WOMAN by WILLIAM CARLOS WILLIAMS WILD PLUM BLOSSOMS by EVA K. ANGLESBURG PLUM TREE by VIRGINIA WOODSON FRAME CHURCH THE LONG TRAIL: THE TIMBER by ELIZABETH SEWELL HILL THE PLUM ON THE SILL by ERIC PANKEY |
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