Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Call of the Wild" is a poem by Gary Snyder, a poet and environmental activist known for his exploration of Zen Buddhism and the natural world. The poem was published in Snyder's collection of poems titled "Myths & Texts" in 1960.

Explanation:

The poem "Call of the Wild" is a meditation on the beauty and power of the natural world, particularly in the form of wild animals. The poem opens with the speaker's description of the wild animals, which he observes with wonder and awe. He notes their strength and agility, and he recognizes their place in the natural order of things.

As the poem progresses, the speaker reflects on his own connection to the natural world, and he contemplates the impact of human civilization on the wilderness. He notes the dangers of human encroachment on the natural habitats of wild animals and laments the loss of wild spaces.

Poetic elements:

• Form: Free verse
• Theme: The beauty and power of the natural world, and the impact of human civilization on the wilderness.
• Imagery: The poem is filled with vivid descriptions of the natural world and the wild animals that inhabit it.
• Tone: Reverential, contemplative, and mournful.
• Sound: The poem features sparse, rhythmic language that evokes the stillness of the natural world.
• Language: The language of the poem is simple and direct, with occasional flashes of vivid imagery.
• Figurative language: The poem uses metaphor and personification to explore the relationship between humans and the natural world.
• Structure: The poem is structured as a series of observations and meditations on the natural world, with no clear narrative or plot.
• Symbolism: The wild animals in the poem serve as symbols of the power and majesty of the natural world.
• Emotion: The poem conveys a sense of reverence and awe for the natural world, as well as a mournful sense of loss at the encroachment of human civilization.

Conclusion:

"Call of the Wild" is a beautiful and meditative poem that celebrates the power and majesty of the natural world while also lamenting its loss at the hands of human civilization. The poem's vivid imagery and spare language convey a sense of reverence and awe for the wilderness and its wild inhabitants, while its contemplative tone invites readers to reflect on their own relationship to the natural world.

Poem Snippet:

"Let the sun go down without your love.

Let the light fail without your word.

Let the world die without your tears.

I am not yours, not lost in you, not lost, although I long to be."

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