Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Valentine" by Donald Hall is a succinct yet powerful poem that expresses deep love and commitment through the use of animal imagery and simple, rhythmic language. The poem captures the intensity and enduring nature of love, emphasizing its paramount importance in the speaker's life.

The poem begins with lively images of nature: "Chipmunks jump, and / Greensnakes slither. / Rather burst than / Not be with her." The dynamic actions of chipmunks and greensnakes symbolize the vibrant energy and urgency of the speaker's feelings. The phrase "Rather burst than / Not be with her" highlights the intensity of his love, suggesting that being apart from the beloved is unthinkable.

In the second stanza, Hall contrasts the fighting of bluebirds with the strength of bears: "Bluebirds fight, but / Bears are stronger. / We've got fifty / Years or longer." This comparison not only highlights the strength and resilience of their love but also introduces the idea of longevity. The mention of "fifty years or longer" underscores the enduring nature of their bond, suggesting a commitment that spans decades.

The final stanza continues with contrasting animal behaviors: "Hoptoads hop, but / Hogs are fatter. / Nothing else but / Us can matter." The hoptoads' hopping and the hogs' fatness provide a playful yet grounded imagery that contrasts with the profound statement that follows. The line "Nothing else but / Us can matter" asserts that their love is the most important thing in their lives, eclipsing all other concerns.

"Valentine" by Donald Hall beautifully captures the essence of a deep, abiding love through simple yet evocative language. The use of animal imagery brings a sense of liveliness and naturalness to the poem, while the strong, declarative statements emphasize the speaker's unwavering commitment and the paramount importance of the relationship. The poem's structure, with its rhythmic and rhyming couplets, enhances the lyrical quality, making it a memorable and heartfelt declaration of love.