Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

James Schuyler's poem "I Think" captures the ephemeral beauty of a June day, unfolding in a sequence of vivid observations that blend the external landscape with an intimate, almost conversational tone. The poem reads like a love letter to the day itself, as the speaker addresses the day directly, expressing both admiration and a subtle longing for it to linger.

The poem begins with a simple declaration: "I will write you a letter, / June day." This direct address immediately establishes a personal and reflective mood, inviting the reader into a private moment between the speaker and the day. The specificity of the date, "June Fifth," anchors the poem in time, suggesting that the experience of this particular day is unique and worthy of commemoration.

Schuyler’s attention to detail is evident in his description of the "green, so / many kinds and all one / green," where he marvels at the variations of green in the natural world, yet acknowledges their unity. This observation is both precise and poetic, capturing the complexity of nature while emphasizing the harmonious quality of the day. The interplay of light and shadow—"tree shadows on / grass blades and grass / blade shadows"—adds a dynamic element to the scene, as if the day itself is alive and in motion.

The poem then shifts to the soundscape, with the "motor / mower sound" filling the air. This auditory detail grounds the poem in the everyday, reminding the reader of the mundane activities that continue even amidst the beauty of the day. The juxtaposition of the "hot" sun and the "cool" breeze creates a tactile contrast that further enhances the sensory experience of the day.

A moment of tension arises with the appearance of the cat carrying a "dead baby rabbit / in her maw." This image introduces a darker element into the otherwise idyllic scene, reminding the reader of the cycle of life and death that persists in nature. Yet, Schuyler does not dwell on this image, quickly returning to the lushness of the day as "the lilacs bloom, / massive and exquisite / in color and shape / and scent." The sensory richness of the lilacs stands in stark contrast to the earlier image of death, highlighting the complexity of the day—a mix of beauty and harsh reality.

The poem then touches on the promise of the future with the roses "full of / buds" but "no / flowers" yet. This anticipation adds a layer of temporality to the poem, acknowledging that the perfection of the day is fleeting, and that there are still things to come. The speaker’s plea for the day to "stick around / a while" reflects a desire to hold onto this moment of perfection, even as time inevitably moves forward.

In "I Think," Schuyler masterfully balances the simplicity of the language with the depth of the emotions conveyed. The poem’s structure, with its short lines and lack of punctuation, mimics the flow of thoughts, as if the speaker is capturing the day in real-time, without interruption. This creates a sense of immediacy and intimacy, drawing the reader into the speaker’s experience.

Ultimately, the poem is a meditation on the fleeting nature of beauty and the inevitable passage of time. Schuyler’s decision to write a "letter" to the day underscores the personal significance of this particular moment, as if by writing it down, he can preserve it against the ravages of time. The poem closes with a gentle request for the day to "stick around," a poignant acknowledgment that, despite the beauty of the moment, it cannot last forever. Through "I Think," Schuyler reminds us of the importance of appreciating the transient beauty of the world, even as we recognize its impermanence.

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