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Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained | |||
"Bard" by William Everson is a lyrical homage to the ancient and venerable tradition of oral poetry and storytelling, celebrating the role of the bard as a pivotal figure in the cultural and social fabric of society. Through this poem, Everson taps into the deep, primal satisfaction derived from the act of creation and the communication of one's voice to an audience, bridging time and space. The opening lines, "Sing it. Utter the phrase, the fine word," serve as a clarion call to poets and storytellers alike, urging them to embrace the power of language and the spoken word. Everson emphasizes the physicality of poetry, the way syllables can "shout on the page," and how lines can glow and ring, imbuing them with life and vibrancy. This process of creation is not just an intellectual exercise but a visceral experience that stirs both the creator and the audience. Everson evokes the romantic image of hearth-side bards, performing in great halls, to underscore the timeless and enduring nature of storytelling. The image of warriors and women, spellbound by the bard's tale, highlights the communal aspect of storytelling and its ability to captivate and unify an audience. This historical context serves to elevate the act of writing or speaking poetry to something noble and significant, connecting the modern poet to a long lineage of storytellers. The repetition of phrases such as "It is fine for the heart" and "It is warm in the chest" reinforces the emotional gratification and fulfillment derived from the act of artistic creation and sharing. Everson's use of these sensory descriptions conveys the deeply personal and yet universally understood joy of being heard and appreciated. In the closing lines, "Hug the sweet dream in the lonely dusks when the far planes whine in the sky and the west deadens," Everson acknowledges the solitude and introspection inherent in the creative process. Yet, even in isolation, the poet or bard is connected to their audience through the anticipation of their engagement with the work. This anticipation, the hope of reaching across the divide and touching the minds and hearts of others, is presented as a profound source of comfort and motivation. "Bard" is a poetic celebration of the enduring power of words and stories to connect us, to inspire, to entertain, and to provoke thought. Everson's poem is a tribute to the creative spirit that dwells within each storyteller and the timeless bond they share with their audience, regardless of the era or medium through which they express themselves.
| Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...WAR IS KIND: 23 by STEPHEN CRANE THE BRIDE by DAVID HERBERT LAWRENCE THE SWAMP ANGEL by HERMAN MELVILLE CAPTAIN CARPENTER by JOHN CROWE RANSOM AMOR MUNDI by CHRISTINA GEORGINA ROSSETTI |
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