Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Amplitude" is a poem by American poet Tess Gallagher. It was first published in her 1983 collection "Willingly," and has since been included in various anthologies and collections. The poem explores the concept of amplitude through the imagery of the natural world.

Explanation:

The poem begins by describing a landscape where "the sound of water" can be heard "in a dead landscape." This sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which focuses on the beauty of nature and its ability to transcend the limitations of the human world. Gallagher then describes a scene where she is sitting "under the apple tree," watching the "light on the bark" and the "swaying of the leaves."

As the poem progresses, Gallagher uses a series of natural images to convey the idea of amplitude. She writes about "the widening light" and "the widening sky," using the metaphor of the sun rising over the horizon to suggest the idea of expansion and growth. The poem also references "the sea rising" and "the tide cresting," which further emphasize the theme of amplitude and the power of nature to move and change.

Poetic Elements:

• Form: The poem is written in free verse, with no set rhyme or meter. This allows Gallagher to use natural, organic language that reflects the imagery of the natural world.
• Imagery: Gallagher uses vivid, sensory images throughout the poem to create a vivid sense of place and atmosphere. For example, she describes the "sound of water," the "light on the bark," and the "swaying of the leaves," all of which help to immerse the reader in the scene.
• Metaphor: The poem uses the metaphor of natural elements to explore the theme of amplitude. Gallagher writes about "the widening light" and "the widening sky," as well as "the sea rising" and "the tide cresting," all of which suggest the idea of growth and expansion.

Conclusion:

In "Amplitude," Tess Gallagher celebrates the beauty and power of the natural world, using vivid imagery and metaphor to explore the theme of amplitude. Through her descriptions of light, water, and natural cycles, Gallagher suggests that nature has the power to move and change in ways that transcend human experience.

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