Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Sure! Here's the analysis of "Calmly We Walk Through This April's Day" by Delmore Schwartz:

"Calmly We Walk Through This April's Day" is a poem by Delmore Schwartz, first published in 1937. The poem presents a speaker who observes the beauty of nature around him on a spring day, yet is unable to fully enjoy it due to his sense of isolation and despair.

Explanation:

The poem is composed of seven stanzas, each containing four lines. The speaker begins by describing the spring day as "a day meant for fun," yet immediately expresses his sense of disconnection from the world around him, saying "I let the major emotion stay." He goes on to describe the beauty of nature, with "The breeze blows, and discomposes / The trees a little," and "The tulips and narcissi show / No color in their petals." Despite these vivid descriptions, the speaker remains distant from the scene, saying "They were always flowers, and these are / The same flowers, shining in the sun."

As the poem progresses, the speaker's sense of isolation becomes more pronounced. He compares himself to a "ghost" that wanders aimlessly through the streets, and expresses his longing for human connection. However, he is unable to find it, saying "There is no loneliness like theirs / When I am here and they are there."

The final stanza of the poem offers a glimmer of hope, as the speaker suggests that despite his isolation, he is able to find some solace in the beauty of the natural world: "Yet I am glad to know / That the nature of my pain is beauty." Despite his sense of isolation, the speaker is able to appreciate the beauty around him and find meaning in it.

Poetic Elements:

• Form: The poem consists of seven stanzas, each containing four lines. The lines are of varying length, with no set rhyme scheme or meter.
• Imagery: The poem contains vivid imagery, particularly in its descriptions of the natural world. The speaker uses sensory details to convey the beauty of spring, such as the breeze blowing through the trees and the flowers shining in the sun.
• Tone: The tone of the poem is melancholic and introspective, reflecting the speaker's sense of isolation and despair.
• Theme: The poem explores themes of beauty, isolation, and the human condition. The speaker is able to appreciate the beauty of the natural world, yet is unable to find meaningful connection with other people.

Conclusion:

"Calmly We Walk Through This April's Day" is a powerful reflection on the human experience and our search for connection and meaning in a world that can often feel isolating and indifferent. Through its vivid imagery and introspective tone, the poem captures the beauty and melancholy of spring, and the universal struggle to find a sense of belonging in the world.

Poem Snippet:

"Calmly we walk through this April's day,

Metropolitan poetry here and there,

In the park sit pauper and rentier,

The screaming children, the motor-car

Fugitive about us, running away,"