Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"The City Dark" is a poem by Robert Pinsky, first published in 2008. Pinsky was the United States Poet Laureate from 1997 to 2000 and is known for his works that explore cultural, historical, and personal themes.

Explanation:

The poem describes a city at night that is shrouded in darkness. The speaker points out the lack of light in the city, noting that the stars and moon are hidden behind the darkness. The absence of light affects everything in the city, from the buildings to the people, and creates a feeling of unease and tension. The speaker describes the city's darkness as a "blindfold" that hides the true nature of things and creates a sense of uncertainty.

Poetic Elements:

• Form: Free verse
• Imagery: The poem is rich in visual imagery, particularly in its descriptions of the dark city and the hidden stars and moon.
• Personification: The speaker personifies the darkness as a "blindfold" that hides the truth.
• Metaphor: The darkness is a metaphor for the uncertainty and anxiety that can arise from not knowing what is happening around us.

Conclusion:

"The City Dark" is a thought-provoking poem that explores the effects of darkness and uncertainty on our perception of the world. Through its vivid imagery and use of personification and metaphor, the poem creates a sense of unease and tension that is both unsettling and intriguing.

Poem Snippet:

"Darkness, darkness

Like a blanket

Blindfold, the stars

And moon hidden"