Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Boris Pasternak" is a poem by American poet Stanley Kunitz. It was first published in his 1980 collection "The Wellfleet Whale and Companion Poems". Kunitz was a highly respected American poet who served as the Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry to the Library of Congress twice, and won several awards for his work, including the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Award.

Explanation:

"Boris Pasternak" is a powerful and evocative poem that celebrates the life and legacy of the Russian poet and writer Boris Pasternak. The poem explores the themes of love, art, and the power of the human spirit to transcend time and space.

As the speaker reflects on Pasternak's life and work, they become increasingly aware of the ways in which his writing continues to inspire and resonate with readers around the world. The poem ends on a note of both sadness and hope, as the speaker acknowledges the tragic circumstances of Pasternak's life, but also finds solace in the idea that his art and his spirit continue to live on.

Poetic Elements:

• Form: "Boris Pasternak" 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 "fields of wheat" and the "wind-blown grass".
• Tone: The tone of the poem is celebratory and reverent, with moments of both sadness and hope.
• Metaphor: Pasternak's life and work are a metaphor for the power of art and the human spirit to transcend time and space.

Conclusion:

"Boris Pasternak" is a beautifully crafted and deeply moving poem that celebrates the life and legacy of one of the greatest writers of the 20th century. Kunitz's use of vivid imagery and rich language creates a sense of both beauty and sadness, while his exploration of the power of art and the human spirit adds depth and nuance to the poem.

Poem Snippet:

"Boris, how long must we wait

to be born again,

with the fields of wheat at our feet

and the wind-blown grass?

How long before the shadows

lift from our eyes,

and the fullness of the earth

is revealed to us at last?"

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