Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Living Alone with Jesus" is a poem by Maxine W. Kumin that was first published in her collection "Connecting the Dots: Poems" in 1996. The poem explores the speaker's relationship with Jesus and the ways in which they find solace and companionship in their faith.

Explanation:

The poem begins with the speaker describing their experience of living alone and feeling a sense of loneliness and isolation. The poem then shifts to a more introspective mode, with the speaker reflecting on their relationship with Jesus and the ways in which their faith provides a sense of comfort and connection. The poem also explores the theme of the enduring presence of faith and the ways in which it can provide a sense of stability and grounding in difficult times.

Poetic Elements:

• Form: The poem is written in free verse, with no set rhyme scheme or meter. The poem consists of a single stanza of 15 lines.
• Imagery: The poem contains vivid visual imagery that evokes the speaker's world, as well as emotional imagery that describes the feeling of connection with Jesus.
• Allusion: The poem makes reference to the biblical figure of Jesus and the Christian faith.
• Theme: The poem explores the theme of faith and the ways in which it can provide a sense of comfort and connection, as well as the importance of finding solace and companionship in difficult times.

Conclusion:

"Living Alone with Jesus" is a poignant and reflective poem that explores the complexities of faith and the ways in which it can provide a sense of grounding and connection in difficult times. The poem's use of vivid imagery, allusion, and introspection creates a sense of intimacy and connection between the reader and the speaker, while its underlying theme of the enduring presence of faith underscores the importance of finding solace and companionship in our personal beliefs.

Poem Snippet:

"I tell you, Jesus whispers in my ear

and the hot tears pour down my face

I swear I feel his finger on my cheek

so I am not alone after all."