Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"The Escaped Gorilla" is a poem by David Wagoner, an American poet known for his works that explore themes of nature, spirituality, and the human experience. "The Escaped Gorilla" was first published in 1996 in Wagoner's collection of poems titled "Walt Whitman Bathing."

Explanation:

"The Escaped Gorilla" is a whimsical and imaginative poem that explores the idea of a gorilla escaping from a zoo and exploring the world beyond its cage. The poem describes the speaker's reflections on what the gorilla might experience as it navigates the urban landscape, and touches on the idea that the natural world is always present, even in the midst of human civilization.

Poetic Elements:

• Form: Free verse with no consistent rhyme or meter
• Imagery: Vivid descriptions of the gorilla and the urban landscape
• Tone: Whimsical and imaginative tone that celebrates the wonder and mystery of the natural world
• Symbolism: Use of the gorilla as a symbol for the natural world, and the idea that even in the midst of human civilization, the natural world is always present.

Conclusion:

"The Escaped Gorilla" is a delightful and imaginative poem that invites us to celebrate the wonder and mystery of the natural world. Through the use of vivid imagery, tone, and symbolism, the poem portrays the gorilla as a symbol for the natural world, and challenges us to recognize the importance of preserving and protecting the environment. The poem invites us to cultivate a deep connection to the natural world and to embrace the wonder and mystery that it offers.

Poem Snippet:

The gorilla wants to return to the village

Of his birth, find the gorilla woman

Who knits his knots of muscle,

The one who taught him to swing

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