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Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained | |||
"Chanson Innocente: 2" by E.E. Cummings is a tender, whimsical poem that personifies a small Christmas tree, transforming it into a figure of innocence and vulnerability. The poem reads like a gentle conversation between the speaker, likely a child, and the tree, which is addressed with affection and care. The simplicity of the language and the intimate tone capture the essence of a child’s wonder and love during the Christmas season. The poem begins with a direct address: "little tree / little silent Christmas tree," immediately drawing the reader into the speaker's world of imagination. The repetition of "little" emphasizes the tree's smallness, endearing it to the speaker. By comparing the tree to a flower—"you are more like a flower"—Cummings evokes the fragility and delicacy of the tree, suggesting it is something to be cherished and protected. The speaker then imagines the tree’s journey from the forest: "who found you in the green forest / and were you very sorry to come away?" This question shows the speaker's empathy, as they project feelings of sadness and loss onto the tree, imagining that it might have been reluctant to leave its natural home. This anthropomorphizing of the tree is a classic example of Cummings’ ability to convey complex emotions through simple, childlike perspectives. The speaker reassures the tree, saying, "see i will comfort you / because you smell so sweetly." The act of comforting the tree highlights the nurturing, protective instincts of the speaker. The line "i will kiss your cool bark / and hug you safe and tight / just as your mother would" is particularly poignant, as it suggests that the tree is now in need of care, like a child separated from its mother. The speaker’s promise to "hug you safe and tight" emphasizes the sense of security and warmth that they wish to provide. As the poem continues, the speaker prepares to decorate the tree: "look the spangles / that sleep all the year in a dark box / dreaming of being taken out and allowed to shine." The "spangles" (decorations) are described as though they have their own lives, dreaming of the moment when they can fulfill their purpose. This personification of the decorations adds to the magical, childlike atmosphere of the poem, where everything has a voice and a story. The speaker then describes the process of decorating the tree with "the balls the chains red and gold the fluffy threads," and tells the tree to "put up your little arms / and i'll give them all to you to hold." This image of the tree "putting up its arms" further enhances the sense of the tree as a living, sentient being. The promise that "every finger shall have its ring / and there won't be a single place dark or unhappy" suggests that the tree will be adorned with so much love and attention that no part of it will be left in shadow or sadness. The climax of the poem comes when the tree is fully decorated: "then when you're quite dressed / you'll stand in the window for everyone to see / and how they'll stare!" The idea of the tree being "dressed" and displayed for all to admire speaks to the pride and joy that comes with the Christmas tradition of decorating the tree. The tree, once small and unassuming, is now transformed into something beautiful and worthy of admiration. The poem concludes with a scene of pure joy and innocence: "oh but you'll be very proud / and my little sister and i will take hands / and looking up at our beautiful tree / we'll dance and sing / 'Noel Noel.'" The image of the speaker and their sister holding hands and singing around the tree captures the essence of the Christmas spirit—family, love, and the simple pleasures of life. The repetition of "Noel Noel" ties the poem back to its title, "Chanson Innocente" (Innocent Song), underscoring the purity and simplicity of the joy expressed. Overall, "Chanson Innocente: 2" by E.E. Cummings is a delightful and heartfelt poem that celebrates the wonder of childhood and the magic of Christmas. Through the gentle personification of the tree and the evocative imagery, Cummings creates a world where even the smallest things are filled with life and meaning, reflecting the deep sense of care and love that characterizes the holiday season.
| Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...CHRISTMAS AWAY FROM HOME by JANE KENYON DIFFERENT VIEWS; A CHRISMAS DUET by JOSEPH ASHBY-STERRY AN UNMERRY CHRISTMAS by AMBROSE BIERCE CHRISTMAS IN CHINATOWN by AUGUST KLEINZAHLER CHRISTMAS TREE by JOHN FREDERICK NIMS ISAIAH'S COAL by JOHN FREDERICK NIMS SOUNDS OF THE RESURRECTED DEAD MAN'S FOOTSTEPS (#3): 1. BEAST, PEACH.. by MARVIN BELL |
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