Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

“To Philip Levine, On the Day of Atonement” is a poem written by Robert Mezey, an American poet and scholar of poetry. The poem was published in Mezey's collection of poems titled "Evening Wind" in 1987. The title of the poem references the Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur, a day of fasting and repentance.

Explanation:

The poem is addressed to Philip Levine, a fellow poet, on the day of atonement, when Mezey is reflecting on his past and seeking forgiveness. Mezey reflects on how he and Levine, as poets, have a duty to be truthful in their writing, to tell the stories of ordinary people and their struggles. Mezey expresses his admiration for Levine's ability to capture the rawness of life in his poetry and suggests that this is a reflection of his own experiences growing up in Detroit.

Poetic Elements:

• Form: The poem is written in free verse, with no set rhyme or meter.
• Tone: The tone of the poem is reverent and introspective, with Mezey reflecting on his past and seeking forgiveness.
• Imagery: Mezey uses vivid imagery throughout the poem to convey his emotions and memories. For example, he describes "the roar of factories in the night," which conjures up a powerful sense of the industrial landscape of Detroit.
• Allusion: The poem's title alludes to the Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur, which is known as the Day of Atonement.

Conclusion:

"To Philip Levine, On the Day of Atonement" is a deeply personal and introspective poem that reflects on the themes of truth and forgiveness. Mezey uses vivid imagery and allusion to convey his emotions and memories, and the poem's free verse form reflects the rawness and honesty of the poet's feelings.

Poem Snippet:

"Dear friend, on this day of atonement,

we poets have our duty, too:

to tell the stories of common men

with common lives to lead,

the heroes and villains we are

at every hour, in every place."