Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Kindness" is a poem by English poet and artist, Thomas Sturge Moore. Written in the early 20th century, this poem brings to life the sublime beauty of kindness, positioning it as an essential and lasting quality that has the power to inspire, uplift, and transform.

The central theme of the poem is the transcendent power of kindness. Sturge Moore describes kindness as a captivating and enduring beauty that offers comfort and assurance, similar to a warm, welcoming face that causes no distress. Kindness, according to him, has the capacity to outlast physical health, similar to how the enchantment of a forest persists even after the leaves have fallen, and it endures through the harshest of winters.

Sturge Moore employs vivid imagery and metaphors to bring his ideas to life. The imagery of the lark soaring into the sky and the ship setting sail into calm waters effectively capture the feelings of freedom, joy, and relief that kindness can bring. They also imply that kindness has the power to liberate us from the constraints of our own circumstances, just as the bird and the ship break free from their respective confines.

The poem also carries a sense of hope and positivity, as it reflects on the rejuvenating effects of kindness on those who are weak or distressed. The unexpected image of the weak suddenly spreading their wings to sing and soar highlights the transformative power of kindness and how it can provide strength and instill confidence.

In terms of poetic devices, the poem employs a mix of rhymed and unrhymed lines, creating a rhythm that fluctuates between smooth and irregular, mirroring the unpredictability of kindness and its effects. Similes, such as comparing the enduring beauty of kindness to the enchantment

of a forest, are used to convey abstract concepts in a more tangible and relatable way.

Additionally, the poet uses personification (e.g., the lark being proud and the ship sailing for islands of balm) to provide emotional depth to the subjects of his metaphors. This enhances the feeling of joy and relief associated with kindness. He also employs the metaphor of a ship launched into calm after a storm, signifying the soothing and healing effect of kindness after periods of distress.

"Kindness" can also be seen as a reminder of the potential within us all to create positive change through acts of kindness, big or small. In this sense, it encourages introspection and self-improvement, making it not only a beautiful expression of a virtue but also a call to action.

In summary, "Kindness" by Thomas Sturge Moore is a heartfelt tribute to the power and beauty of kindness. It uses vivid imagery and emotive language to capture the transformative effects of kindness, making it a poignant reminder of the importance of this virtue in our lives.

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