Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry: Explained, AN ORDINARY MORNING, by PHILIP LEVINE

Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

AN ORDINARY MORNING, by PHILIP LEVINE Poet Analysis Poet's Biography

"An Ordinary Morning" is a poem by Philip Levine, published in his 1979 collection "Ashes: Poems New and Old". The poem speaks to the experiences of everyday working-class people, and how they are often forced to endure harsh conditions to earn a living. Levine's work often explores themes of labor, class, and the challenges faced by the working class in America.

Explanation:

The poem is set in a cold and dark morning, where the speaker is a worker who has to get up early to go to work. As he drives to work, he observes the people around him, such as the woman waiting for the bus in the cold, and the men working on the side of the road. He notes the difficulties they face, such as the bus being late and the men working in the freezing cold.

The speaker reflects on how difficult it is for these people to make a living, and how they endure these conditions day in and day out just to survive. He compares their lives to his own, and recognizes the privilege he has in comparison to their struggles.

Poetic Elements:

Form: Free verse, with irregular line lengths and no strict rhyme scheme
Imagery: The poem uses vivid sensory descriptions to evoke the harshness of the setting, such as "darkness fills the window" and "the woman waits for the bus".
Tone: The poem has a tone of empathy and recognition for the struggles of the working class, and a sense of guilt and privilege on the part of the speaker.

Conclusion:

"An Ordinary Morning" is a powerful reflection on the struggles faced by the working class in America, and the privilege that some have in comparison. Through vivid imagery and a reflective tone, Levine portrays the difficulties faced by everyday people and highlights the need for greater recognition of their challenges.

Poem Snippet:

"Darkness fills the window

as I dress beside the bed.

The day has come again,

so much like other days,

and yet this day is different,

in this way or that, I cannot say."