Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Elegy in a Theatrical Warehouse" is a poem by Kenneth Fearing that was first published in 1940. Fearing was an American poet and novelist who was known for his dark and pessimistic view of the world, which is reflected in much of his work. "Elegy in a Theatrical Warehouse" is a particularly poignant poem that deals with the transience of life and the fleeting nature of human existence.

Explanation:

The poem describes a scene in a theatrical warehouse, where the scenery is stored. The warehouse is dark and still, with nothing but the wind moving around the scenery. The wind is described as a metaphor for the human heart, suggesting that our hearts are as fleeting and ephemeral as the wind.

The poem suggests that life is like a play, with the scenery and characters coming and going, but ultimately leaving nothing behind. The poem is a reflection on the transience of life and the inevitability of death.

Despite the bleakness of the poem, there is a sense of beauty in Fearing's use of language. The poem is filled with vivid and striking imagery that creates a powerful sense of the transience of life.

Poetic Elements:

• Form: The poem consists of three stanzas, each with four lines. The poem has a consistent rhyme scheme of ABAB.
• Imagery: The poem is full of vivid and striking imagery, particularly in its descriptions of the theatrical warehouse and the wind.
• Metaphor: The wind is used as a metaphor for the human heart, suggesting that our hearts are as fleeting and ephemeral as the wind.
• Tone: The tone of the poem is poignant and melancholic, reflecting the transience of life and the inevitability of death.

Conclusion:

"Elegy in a Theatrical Warehouse" is a powerful and evocative poem that reflects on the transience of life and the fleeting nature of human existence. Fearing's use of vivid imagery and metaphor creates a sense of the beauty and fragility of life, while also highlighting the inevitability of death. The poem is a poignant reflection on the human condition and our place in the world.

Poem Snippet:

"The scenery sits in the warehouse dark

And nothing but the wind moves round it.

The wind is what we have instead of a heart.

The wind is what we have."

Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!

Other Poems of Interest...