Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Long Live the Weeds” is a poem by Theodore Roethke that was first published in his collection of poetry, "The Far Field," in 1964. The poem speaks to the power and resilience of nature, as weeds and other plants are depicted as triumphant over human efforts to control them.

The first stanza sets the tone for the poem, with the speaker declaring that "Long live the weeds that overwhelm / My narrow vegetable realm!" The weeds are described as "coarse" and "rank," but also as having a certain wild beauty that the speaker seems to admire.

As the poem progresses, the speaker reflects on the ways in which human attempts to control nature often lead to a kind of sterility or emptiness. He describes the "harrowed field" and the "well-ordered garden" as examples of this, where the soil is tilled and fertilized to the point that it becomes lifeless and barren.

In contrast, the weeds are celebrated for their ability to thrive in even the most inhospitable environments. They are depicted as a kind of "invading army," conquering the "ordered garden" and reclaiming the land for nature.

Overall, "Long Live the Weeds" can be read as a critique of human efforts to dominate and control nature. The poem suggests that the natural world is far more powerful and resilient than we often give it credit for, and that our attempts to subjugate it often lead to unintended consequences. By celebrating the weeds that grow wild and free, Roethke reminds us of the beauty and power of the natural world, and encourages us to embrace it rather than trying to control it.

Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!

Other Poems of Interest...