Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"First Love" is a poem by American poet Stanley Kunitz. It was first published in his 1960 collection "Selected Poems". Kunitz was a highly respected American poet who served as the Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry to the Library of Congress twice, and won several awards for his work, including the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Award.

Explanation:

"First Love" is a poignant and evocative poem that explores the themes of love, loss, and memory. The speaker reflects on a past love affair, recalling the intense emotions and physical sensations that accompanied it.

As the speaker contemplates his first love, he becomes increasingly aware of the passage of time and the inevitability of loss. However, he also finds solace in the idea that even as we age and move on from past experiences, the memories and emotions they inspire can continue to shape and enrich our lives.

Poetic Elements:

• Form: "First Love" is a free verse poem, meaning it does not adhere to a strict rhyme or meter scheme.
• Imagery: The poem is full of vivid, sensory images, such as the "tongue touched with fire" of the speaker's first kiss and the "dark, bright hair" of his first love.
• Tone: The tone of the poem is nostalgic and wistful, with moments of both joy and sadness.
• Metaphor: The first love affair is a metaphor for the intense emotions and physical sensations of youth.

Conclusion:

"First Love" is a beautifully crafted and deeply moving poem that explores some of the most profound aspects of the human experience, including love, loss, and memory. Kunitz's use of vivid imagery and rich language creates a sense of nostalgia and longing, while his exploration of the ways in which past experiences continue to shape and enrich our lives adds depth and nuance to the poem.

Poem Snippet:

"I thought I had died and gone to heaven,

but that was before I knew

how hard it is to live

in this world."

Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!

Other Poems of Interest...