Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Linda Pastan's poem "Waku" is a brief but evocative meditation on the fleeting nature of time, thought, and beauty, drawing on imagery from the natural world and the cultural setting of Kyoto. The poem captures the transitory moments in life that are both deeply meaningful and yet quickly passing, akin to the Japanese concept of "mono no aware," the awareness of impermanence.

The poem opens with a specific and culturally resonant setting: "To be written in the time it takes a piece of bark to pass under the Imperial Kyoto Bridge." This line immediately situates the reader in a precise moment and place, evoking the tranquil yet transient flow of a stream under the historic bridge. The mention of "Imperial Kyoto" adds a layer of reverence and tradition, suggesting that what follows is not just a casual observation but a reflection steeped in cultural and historical awareness.

The piece of bark, "Floating down the stream," serves as a metaphor for the passage of time and the speed at which thoughts and experiences move through our lives. The bark, carried by the current, represents the natural flow of life, which is "faster than thought." This line highlights the idea that life often moves quicker than our ability to fully comprehend or capture it in words or thought. The fleeting nature of the bark's journey under the bridge parallels the ephemeral quality of our thoughts and the moments that slip away before we can hold onto them.

The poem then shifts to a more abstract and lyrical image: "See the poem escape / On the petals of cherries, / Leaving a fragrant silence." Here, the poem itself is personified, becoming something that can escape, much like the bark on the stream. The petals of cherry blossoms, a symbol of both beauty and impermanence in Japanese culture, carry the poem away, suggesting that the poem's essence is tied to these fleeting, delicate moments. The "fragrant silence" left behind evokes a sense of peace and quiet reflection, but also the absence of the poem—its beauty and meaning linger in the air like the scent of the cherry blossoms, even after it has disappeared.

"Waku" is a poem that speaks to the impermanence of both nature and human thought. Through its concise imagery and cultural references, Pastan captures the essence of moments that are as beautiful as they are transient. The poem suggests that while we may strive to capture and hold onto these moments, they ultimately pass, leaving us with a sense of their fleeting beauty and the silence that follows. This meditation on impermanence invites readers to appreciate the present moment, understanding that its beauty lies precisely in its temporality.

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