Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"A Box Comes Home" is a poem by John Ciardi, an American poet and translator known for his accessible style and witty humor. The poem was written in 1953, during the Korean War, and reflects on the experience of soldiers returning home from war and the impact of war on individuals and families.

Content:

The poem tells the story of a soldier's return home in a coffin, and the emotions and reactions of the family members who receive the box. The poem explores the themes of grief, loss, and the lasting impact of war on both individuals and society as a whole.

Form:

"A Box Comes Home" is written in free verse, with no consistent meter or rhyme scheme. The poem is divided into five stanzas of varying length, with each stanza contributing to the overall theme and structure of the poem.

Poetic Elements:

The poem makes use of a variety of poetic techniques and devices, including imagery, metaphor, and repetition. The use of the box as a central image creates a sense of tension and sadness, emphasizing the idea of loss and the impact of war on individuals and families.

Summary:

"A Box Comes Home" is a powerful and emotional poem that explores the impact of war on individuals and families. The poem's use of imagery and metaphor creates a sense of sadness and loss, emphasizing the toll that war takes on both soldiers and civilians. Ciardi's accessible and straightforward style makes the poem relatable and easy to understand, while also allowing for a depth of meaning that resonates with readers. The poem is a moving tribute to the sacrifices made by soldiers and their families, and a reminder of the human cost of war.

Poem Excerpt:

"Here is a box, a musical box,

wound up and ready to play.

But this box will never play again

a tune called 'The Way Life Should Be.'

This box has come home from the war,

war that has torn so many apart.

This box has come home from the war

with a tune that breaks the heart.”