Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Sonnet to Spring" is a poem by Kay Ryan, an American poet born in 1945. The poem was first published in Ryan's 2010 poetry collection, "The Best of It." 

Explanation:

"Sonnet to Spring" is a celebration of the arrival of spring and the renewal of life it brings. The poem begins by describing the transformation that takes place in nature during the spring, with flowers blooming and birds returning from their migrations. The poem goes on to reflect on the cyclical nature of the seasons, and how spring represents a new beginning after the darkness of winter. The poem concludes by praising the beauty and vitality of spring, and expressing gratitude for its arrival.

Poetic Elements:

• Form: the poem follows the traditional 14-line structure of a sonnet with a specific rhyme scheme 
• Imagery: the poem includes vivid descriptions of the natural world in spring
• Alliteration: the poem includes several instances of alliteration, such as "sun strokes the stone" and "blossom bends"
• Metaphor: the poem uses the arrival of spring as a metaphor for renewal and new beginnings

Conclusion:

"Sonnet to Spring" is a beautiful and lyrical celebration of the arrival of spring and the renewal of life it brings. The poem captures the vibrancy and energy of the season, and encourages us to embrace the new beginnings that come with it.

Poem Snippet:

"So much can/can come of nothing./Once the golden/startle."

"A crescendo of crows/blackens a burnished sky./Yet I am here on this day."