Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"By the Snake River" is a poem by William Edgar Stafford, an American poet known for his contemplative and introspective style. The poem was published in 1981 and explores the themes of nature, time, and memory.

Explanation:

"By the Snake River" is a poem that explores the beauty of nature and the passage of time. The poem begins by describing the Snake River, suggesting a sense of awe and wonder at the natural world. The poem then describes the trees, rocks, and grass along the river, suggesting a sense of connectedness and unity with nature.

The poem's second stanza shifts to a more introspective tone, as the speaker reflects on the passage of time and the impermanence of existence. The poem suggests that memories are like the moon, constantly changing and shifting over time.

The final stanza of the poem returns to the natural imagery of the first stanza, but with a sense of melancholy and longing. The poem suggests that even though the natural world is beautiful and enduring, it cannot hold back the passage of time or the inevitability of change.

The language of the poem is simple and direct, making it accessible to readers of all backgrounds. The poem's use of imagery - the Snake River, trees, rocks, grass, the moon - creates a vivid and contemplative atmosphere, while the poem's structure - three stanzas with varying line lengths - creates a sense of movement and progression.

Poetic Elements:

• Form: Free verse
• Structure: Three stanzas with varying line lengths
• Rhyme: None
• Meter: None
• Imagery: The Snake River, trees, rocks, grass, the moon
• Language: Simple, direct, and accessible
• Tone: Contemplative and introspective
• Theme: Nature, time, and memory

Conclusion:

"By the Snake River" is a contemplative and introspective poem that invites the reader to contemplate the beauty of nature and the passage of time. Through its use of vivid imagery and simple language, the poem suggests that memories are like the moon, constantly changing and shifting over time. Ultimately, the poem offers a message of reflection and introspection, encouraging the reader to appreciate the beauty of the natural world while also recognizing the inevitability of change.

Poem Snippet:

"By the Snake River, in the trees,

under the light that comes

and goes, beside

the rock face that grows blacker”

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