Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"May" by John Updike is a charming and succinct celebration of the spring month, encapsulating the simple pleasures and renewed outdoor activities that come with warmer weather. The poem is crafted with a gentle and rhythmic tone, reflective of the ease and joy characteristic of spring's arrival.

The structure of the poem, with its short lines and frequent use of the word "may," emphasizes possibility and permission—a thematic play on the month's name that suggests the opening up of opportunities that were perhaps dormant during the colder months.

The opening lines,

```

Now children may

Go out of doors,

Without their coats,

To candy stores.

```

immediately set a scene of youthful freedom and delight. The ability to go outside without the encumbrance of coats symbolizes the warmth and comfort of the month, while the mention of candy stores adds an element of whimsy and indulgence, portraying a carefree moment that resonates with childhood.

The imagery continues with the natural world's response to the change in season:

```

The apple branches

And the pear

May float their blossoms

Through the air,

```

Here, Updike beautifully captures the delicate and ephemeral nature of blossoms, which seem to float and dance in the spring air, enhancing the magical quality of the season. This not only depicts the physical beauty of May but also suggests a lighter, more buoyant atmosphere.

The poem then shifts to a domestic scene with the father:

```

And Daddy may

Get out his hoe

To plant tomatoes

In a row,

```

This vignette of gardening introduces a theme of growth and renewal, which is central to spring. It's a peaceful, pastoral activity that contrasts with the more passive leisure activity that follows:

```

And afterwards,

May lazily

Look at some baseball

On TV.

```

This concluding activity brings a sense of relaxation and contentment, rounding out the day with a quintessentially American pastime that many associate with spring and summer.

Overall, "May" by John Updike captures the essence of the month with vivid imagery and a light, joyful tone. Each activity and description builds upon the sense of release and pleasure that characterizes this time of year. The poem's straightforward language and clear imagery make it accessible and relatable, evoking the universal pleasures that the transition from spring to summer brings.

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