Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Those Winter Sundays" is a poem written by Robert Earl Hayden, an African-American poet. The poem was first published in 1966 in his book "A Ballad of Remembrance." The poem is a reflection on the speaker's childhood and his relationship with his father.

Explanation:

The poem begins with the speaker describing the cold winter Sundays of his childhood. He recalls his father waking up early in the morning to start a fire and polish his shoes. The speaker reflects on how he took his father's hard work for granted and did not appreciate the sacrifices he made for his family.

The speaker acknowledges the coldness in his relationship with his father, who was distant and unexpressive. However, the speaker recognizes the love that his father showed through his actions, even if it was not expressed in words. The poem ends with the speaker feeling regretful for not recognizing his father's sacrifices and expressing gratitude for his love.

Poetic Elements:

• Structure: The poem is written in free verse and consists of three stanzas. The first and second stanzas describe the father's actions on those winter Sundays, while the third stanza reflects on the speaker's relationship with his father and the emotional impact of his actions.
• Tone: The tone of the poem is reflective and regretful. The speaker reflects on his past and the missed opportunities to express gratitude and love to his father.
• Imagery: The use of imagery in the poem is powerful, with vivid descriptions of the father's actions, such as "cracked hands that ached from labor in the weekday weather." The descriptions create a sense of the father's hard work and sacrifice.
• Rhyme Scheme: The poem does not have a consistent rhyme scheme, but it does contain some internal rhymes and repetition, such as "blueblack cold" and "What did I know, what did I know / of love's austere and lonely offices?"

Conclusion:

"Those Winter Sundays" is a poignant reflection on the relationship between a father and son. The poem highlights the importance of recognizing the sacrifices that parents make for their children and the impact of neglecting to show appreciation and gratitude. Hayden's use of imagery and language creates a powerful and emotional portrayal of the father's hard work and the speaker's regret. The poem serves as a reminder to cherish the love and sacrifices of those closest to us before it's too late.

Poem Snippet:

Sundays too my father got up early

and put his clothes on in the blueblack cold,

then with cracked hands that ached

from labor in the weekday weather made

Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!

Other Poems of Interest...