Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"River at Wolf" is a poem by Jean Valentine, an American poet born in 1934 who is known for her lyricism and exploration of themes such as love, death, and spirituality. The poem was composed in 1975.

Explanation:

"River at Wolf" is a poem that describes the speaker standing by a river and observing the flow of time and the cyclical nature of life and death. The river is described as moving like a "long slow prayer," shimmering in the wind as it flows towards its end. The speaker reflects on the endurance of nature and the way in which it continues to move forward despite the constant flux and change of the world.

Poetic Elements:

• Form: Free verse
• Theme: Time, nature, and the mysteries of the universe
• Imagery: The river, trees, and stones
• Tone: Contemplative, meditative
• Sound: Repetition of phrases ("the river moves"), alliteration ("stones and stream"), and consonance ("the wind whispers")
• Language: Simple and direct, with occasional use of elevated vocabulary
• Figurative language: Metaphor ("the river moving like a long slow prayer"), simile ("like stones in a stream"), and personification ("the wind whispers")
• Structure: The poem is composed of one long stanza with varying line lengths. It is written in free verse, which allows the speaker to move between different observations and emotions without being constrained by a strict form.
• Symbolism: The river in the poem is a symbol of the flow of time and the cyclical nature of life and death. The stones and trees represent the endurance and stability of nature in the face of change.
• Emotion: The poem evokes a sense of peace and contemplation in the face of the mysteries of the universe, as well as a sense of humility and wonder at the enduring power of nature.

Conclusion:

"River at Wolf" is a beautiful and meditative poem that speaks to the human experience of time and the enduring power of nature. Through its use of vivid imagery, metaphor, and symbolism, the poem encourages readers to contemplate the mysteries of the universe and the importance of finding peace and stillness in the face of change.

Poem Snippet:

"The river moves like a long slow prayer,

stones and streambed shimmering in the wind.

How peaceful it is, neither waiting nor rushing forward,

flowing calmly towards its end."

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