Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Tear It Down" is a poem by Jack Gilbert, an American poet known for his works that explore themes of love, loss, and the human experience. The poem was first published in 2005 in Gilbert's collection of poems titled "Refusing Heaven."

Explanation:

"Tear It Down" is a poem that reflects on the destruction and loss that is inherent in the human experience. The speaker of the poem urges us to embrace this destruction and to tear down the walls that we have built around ourselves, both literally and figuratively. The poem suggests that in doing so, we may find a deeper sense of connection and meaning in our lives.

Poetic Elements:

• Form: Free verse with no consistent rhyme or meter
• Imagery: Vivid descriptions of destruction and loss, as well as the speaker's reflections on the human experience
• Tone: Urgent and passionate, with a sense of urgency and a call to action
• Symbolism: Use of walls and buildings as symbols for the barriers we build around ourselves, as well as the idea of tearing down these walls to embrace the destruction and loss that is inherent in life.

Conclusion:

"Tear It Down" is a powerful and provocative poem that invites us to reflect on the destructive and transformative aspects of the human experience. Through its use of vivid imagery, tone, and symbolism, the poem urges us to tear down the walls that we have built around ourselves and to embrace the destruction and loss that is inherent in life. Ultimately, the poem reminds us of the importance of facing our fears and vulnerabilities, and of the potential for growth and transformation that comes with embracing the unknown.

Poem Snippet:

We find out the walls

we put up ourselves

are paper,

and beneath it all