Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Cecil Day Lewis (1904-1972) was a British poet, novelist, and critic. "Walking Away" is a poem that was first published in 1962. It is a poignant and moving reflection on the experience of parenthood and the bittersweet nature of the passage of time.

Context:

Day Lewis wrote "Walking Away" during a period of great social, political, and cultural change in England. The poem reflects his interest in the themes of parenthood, the passage of time, and the complexities of human relationships.

Content:

The poem is a poignant and moving reflection on the experience of parenthood and the bittersweet nature of the passage of time. It describes a father's feelings as he watches his son walk away from him and towards independence, and reflects on the idea that even the most profound and meaningful relationships are subject to the passage of time and the uncertainties of human experience.

Form:

The poem is a free verse, meaning it does not follow a strict rhyme and meter pattern. It consists of four stanzas of varying lengths. The poem is characterized by its use of vivid and descriptive language, which creates a sense of emotional intensity and power.

Poetic Elements:

Day Lewis uses various poetic techniques to convey his ideas about parenthood, the passage of time, and the complexities of human relationships. He employs vivid and descriptive language to capture the emotions of the father as he watches his son walk away from him, and the use of imagery adds to the poem's emotional depth and power. The poem also uses metaphor and symbolism to explore the themes of parenthood, loss, and the bittersweet nature of the passage of time.

Summary:

"Walking Away" is a powerful and emotionally intense poem that reflects Day Lewis's interest in the themes of parenthood, the passage of time, and the complexities of human relationships. The poem effectively conveys the emotions of the father as he watches his son walk away from him, while also reflecting on the uncertainties and complexities of human experience. The use of vivid and descriptive language and imagery adds to the poem's emotional depth and power, while the use of metaphor and symbolism adds to its intellectual and philosophical depth. Overall, "Walking Away" is a fine example of Day Lewis's poetic skill and his engagement with the themes of parenthood, loss, and the human search for meaning.

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