Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Working Late" is a poem by Louis Simpson, first published in 1964 in his collection "At the End of the Open Road." The poem explores the theme of a man's dissatisfaction with his mundane job and his longing for something more.

Explanation:

The poem is written in free verse and consists of three stanzas. The speaker, who is presumably the poet, describes himself as working late at night in a dull office. He describes the city outside as being empty and quiet, with the only sound coming from the whistling of a distant train. The speaker then goes on to lament the monotony of his work and his longing for something more exciting and fulfilling.

Poetic Elements:

• Form: Free verse
• Imagery: The use of descriptive language to paint a picture of the empty city outside and the dullness of the speaker's job.
• Tone: A sense of boredom and longing is conveyed through the speaker's words.
• Metaphor: The distant train whistle is a metaphor for the speaker's longing for something more.

Conclusion:

"Working Late" is a relatable poem that captures the feelings of dissatisfaction and restlessness that can come with a mundane job. Through the use of vivid imagery and metaphor, Simpson conveys the speaker's sense of longing for something more fulfilling. The poem reminds us of the importance of finding passion and purpose in our work and lives.

Poem Snippet:

"The city is silent,

as though we were the only

survivors of some catastrophe."