Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

In "You Know What I'm Saying?", Irving Feldman gives voice to inanimate objects, using them to convey encouragement and goodwill. The poem personifies everyday items, turning them into a chorus of positive affirmations that collectively offer a message about the interconnectedness between humans and the world around them. Through playful language and imaginative personification, Feldman reveals a world rich with blessings and support.

The poem opens with an anthropomorphized soup ladle: "I favor your enterprise," the soup ladle says. / "And I regard you and your project with joy." By attributing positive sentiments to a kitchen utensil, Feldman sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The ladle's blessing illustrates how even the most mundane objects can offer encouragement and support, suggesting that positive energy can come from unexpected sources.

The poem then shifts to a squeegee handle at a gas station in Grand Forks, providing more advice and affirmation: "Whichever way—hey, for you they're all okay." The squeegee’s cheerful guidance at a crossroads represents flexibility and adaptability in decision-making. The idea that “whichever way” is acceptable reinforces the message of unconditional support.

A stunted pine in someone's backyard follows, adding to the chorus of encouragement: "I don't begrudge you your good health. / In fact, my blessing—you've got it, now." Despite its own stunted growth, the pine tree expresses generosity and well-wishing. This moment adds a layer of empathy to the poem, showing that support can come from those who are themselves struggling.

The poem continues with an ironing board that is “irrepressible”: "Your success is far from certain, my friend, / and still it's vital to my happiness." The ironing board’s concern for the reader’s well-being and success reveals a deep interconnectedness between people and things. Even with the uncertainty of success, the ironing board expresses hope and finds joy in the reader’s potential.

The poem’s imagery culminates in the supportive voice of “yellow kernels in the dust, mere chickenfeed,” which declares, "We salute you, and you can count on us." Despite their insignificance, the kernels offer loyalty and encouragement. This message reflects the potential for support even from seemingly trivial sources.

Feldman concludes the poem with a profound reflection: "We do not live in a world of things but among benedictions given / and—do you know what I'm saying?—received." This closing thought reframes the relationship between people and objects, suggesting that the world is not just a collection of material things but a network of blessings and goodwill. The question "do you know what I'm saying?" adds a conversational and personal touch, inviting readers to recognize and appreciate the positive energy surrounding them.

Structurally, "You Know What I'm Saying?" is concise and fluid, with each short stanza focused on a single object and its unique message. The repetition of phrases like "I favor," "I regard," and "I salute" emphasizes the affirmations coming from these objects, creating a rhythmic and reassuring flow. The conversational tone makes the poem approachable, while the imaginative personification adds a whimsical charm.

Overall, "You Know What I'm Saying?" is a lighthearted yet profound exploration of interconnectedness and positivity. By giving voice to everyday objects, Feldman reveals the abundance of encouragement and goodwill that can be found in the world. The poem invites readers to look beyond the material aspects of life and recognize the blessings that surround them, creating a hopeful and affirming vision of the world.

POEM TEXT: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poetrymagazine/browse?contentId=39687

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