Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Going There" is a poem by Jack Gilbert, first published in his 1962 collection "Views of Jeopardy". Gilbert was an American poet known for his lyrical and meditative style.

Explanation:

In "Going There", Gilbert explores the idea of homecoming and the difficulties of returning to a familiar place after time has passed. The speaker of the poem describes their journey back to their childhood home, and the conflicting emotions that arise upon arrival. They note the changes that have taken place in the years they have been gone, and grapple with a sense of displacement and nostalgia. Despite the unease that comes with revisiting the past, the speaker ultimately finds solace in the familiar landscape of their youth.

Poetic Elements:

• Free verse form with no consistent rhyme scheme or meter
• Use of sensory imagery to create a vivid sense of place
• Repetition of the phrase "Going there" to underscore the theme of returning to a familiar place

Conclusion:

"Going There" is a poignant meditation on the complexities of homecoming and the passage of time. Through its use of vivid imagery and repetitive language, the poem captures the sense of dislocation and nostalgia that can come with revisiting the past. Ultimately, however, the speaker finds a sense of peace in the enduring familiarity of their childhood home.

Poem Snippet:

"Going there was the same as leaving

everything. Going back close

enough to smell the cane fires

and the river. Returning was impossible."

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