Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"The Old Horse Fly" is a poem by Karl Shapiro, first published in his collection "Selected Poems" in 1967.

Explanation:

"The Old Horse Fly" is a short and evocative poem that uses vivid imagery to convey the sense of a hot, sticky summer day. The poem begins with the speaker noticing a horse fly buzzing around, and then describes the scene in detail, with references to the heat, the smells of the countryside, and the sound of insects. The poem ends with a sense of resignation, as the speaker notes that "the world is as it is" and that even the "old horse fly" has a place in it.

Shapiro's language is simple but effective, with a focus on sensory details that create a strong sense of place and atmosphere. The poem also explores themes related to the natural world and the inevitability of existence.

Poetic Elements:

• Form: "The Old Horse Fly" is a free-verse poem, with no consistent rhyme scheme or meter.
• Imagery: Shapiro's use of imagery creates a vivid and evocative sense of a hot, sticky summer day, with references to the heat, the smells of the countryside, and the sound of insects.
• Tone: The tone of the poem is resigned and reflective, with a sense of acceptance of the natural world and the way things are.

Conclusion:

"The Old Horse Fly" is a short but effective poem that uses vivid imagery and a simple language to convey a sense of a hot, sticky summer day. Shapiro's focus on sensory details creates a strong sense of place and atmosphere, while the poem's themes of the natural world and the inevitability of existence lend it a deeper resonance. The poem is a testament to Shapiro's ability to capture complex emotions and experiences with clarity and depth.

Poem Snippet:

"Around the sweating horses,

A fly was buzzing slow,

The world is as it is,

This too I think I know."