Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Question" is a poem by May Swenson, originally published in 1960. The poem explores the speaker's thoughts on the natural world and its interconnectedness with humanity. It raises philosophical questions about the nature of existence and the role of humans in the universe.

Explanation:

The poem opens with the speaker questioning the position of the sun and moon in the sky. The speaker seems to be examining the relationship between humans and the natural world, asking if the sun and moon are only there for humanity's benefit. The speaker then questions the existence of trees, mountains, and rivers, asking whether they were created purely for human pleasure or if they have their own inherent value.

As the poem progresses, the speaker becomes more introspective, questioning their own existence and purpose in the world. They wonder if they are merely a product of the natural world or if they have a larger, more significant role to play. The speaker ultimately concludes that the answers to these questions are unknown, and that the natural world remains a mystery.

Poetic Elements:

• The poem is written in free verse, with no consistent rhyme scheme or meter.
• Swenson employs vivid imagery throughout the poem to describe the natural world, such as "the tree in the blue day" and "the grey bull grazing."
• The use of rhetorical questions throughout the poem encourages the reader to contemplate their own relationship with the natural world.
• The poem has a cyclical structure, beginning and ending with the question of the position of the sun and moon in the sky.

Conclusion:

"Question" is a thought-provoking poem that raises important philosophical questions about the relationship between humans and the natural world. Swenson's use of vivid imagery and rhetorical questions encourages the reader to contemplate their own place in the universe and the role they play in the larger scheme of things. The poem's cyclical structure emphasizes the mysterious nature of the natural world and the unknowable answers to the questions it poses.

4 Poem Snippet:

The sun that brief December day

Rose cheerless over hills of gray,

And, darkly circled, gave at noon

A sadder light than waning moon.

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