Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

The poem "The Yachts" is a short poem by William Carlos Williams written in 1935. The poem is about the relationship between land and sea and the idea that they are in a constant state of tension.

The poem begins by describing the relationship between the sea and the land, noting that they are in a state of contention. The speaker goes on to describe a group of men who are living on a desolate beach, relying on a fire in the sand for sustenance. The sea, the speaker notes, may permit them to feed on occasion, but it also derides the capacity of the land to nourish them.

Despite this tension between land and sea, the speaker notes that the people who live in this place have learned to adapt and thrive in their environment. They understand the importance of both land and sea, and have developed a way of life that integrates both. The sea is a part of their speech and their food, while the sand of the beaches is incorporated into the making of their buildings.

Overall, "The Yachts" is a poem that celebrates the resilience of human beings and their ability to adapt to their environment. The poem suggests that the tension between land and sea is not necessarily a negative thing, but rather a source of challenge and opportunity for those who live in this environment

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