Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Salute" is a poem by American poet James Schuyler. It was first published in his 1968 collection "Freely Espousing". Schuyler is known for his distinctive style, which combines the everyday details of suburban life with a deep sense of spiritual longing.

Explanation:

"Salute" is a brief and powerful poem that reflects on the power and beauty of memory. The poem begins with the speaker observing a young boy playing on a swing in the park, and reflects on the ways in which this simple moment of childhood joy can evoke powerful memories and emotions.

As the poem progresses, the speaker reflects on their own memories of childhood, and the ways in which these memories have shaped and influenced their life. The speaker remembers the "smell of honeysuckle" and the "coolness of the grass", and reflects on the ways in which these sensory experiences continue to resonate in their life.

The poem is full of vivid, sensory detail, with the speaker describing everything from the "blue dress" of a passing woman to the "rattle of a distant airplane". Schuyler's use of rich language and vivid imagery creates a sense of both beauty and melancholy, as the speaker reflects on the power and fragility of memory.

The poem also explores the theme of time and change, as the speaker reflects on the ways in which memories can become distorted and faded over time. The poem ends on a note of both sadness and hope, as the speaker acknowledges the impermanence of life and the power of memory to transcend time and change.

Poetic Elements:

• Form: "Salute" is a free verse poem, meaning it does not adhere to a strict rhyme or meter scheme.
• Imagery: The poem is full of vivid, sensory images, such as the "smell of honeysuckle" and the "rattle of a distant airplane".
• Tone: The tone of the poem is contemplative and melancholic, with moments of both sadness and hope.
• Theme: The poem explores the themes of memory, childhood, time and change, and the power of sensory experience to evoke powerful emotions.

Conclusion:

"Salute" is a beautifully crafted and deeply moving poem that reflects on the power and beauty of memory. Schuyler's use of rich language and vivid imagery creates a sense of both beauty and melancholy, while his exploration of the themes of time, change, and childhood adds depth and nuance to the poem. Ultimately, the poem celebrates the power of memory to transcend time and change, while also acknowledging the fragility and impermanence of life.

Poem Snippet:

"His head rolling

with laughter, a boy

pumps his arms

and kicks his legs

to get higher; his hair

is sweet

with sweat, his

blue eyes wide, and

the bright chain

hurls him up, up

in the sun

as he gives, as we

give, salute

to summer's

green, to this

elemental happiness."

Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!

Other Poems of Interest...