Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"White-Eyes" is a poem by Mary Oliver, an American poet known for her nature-themed poetry. The poem was first published in 2006 in Oliver's collection "Thirst."

Explanation:

The poem is a meditation on the beauty and mystery of the natural world, and the interconnectedness of all living things. The speaker observes a small bird, the white-eyes, and reflects on its place in the larger universe.

The poem uses vivid imagery and sensory language to create a sense of the natural world and its wonders. The speaker emphasizes the importance of paying attention to the small moments of life and recognizing the preciousness of each experience.

Oliver also touches on themes of spirituality and the interconnectedness of all living things, suggesting that every creature, no matter how small, is an essential part of the larger universe.

Poetic Elements:

• Form: The poem consists of three stanzas, each with six lines. The poem has a regular structure, with a consistent rhyme scheme (ABCBDD).
• Imagery: The poem is filled with vivid and sensory imagery, particularly in its descriptions of the natural world and the white-eyes bird.
• Metaphor: The metaphor of the white-eyes bird is used to represent the beauty and mystery of the natural world, and the interconnectedness of all living things.
• Repetition: The phrase "Hello, said the world" is repeated throughout the poem, emphasizing the speaker's message of paying attention to the small moments of life and recognizing the preciousness of each experience.

Conclusion:

"White-Eyes" is a beautiful and meditative poem that encourages the reader to appreciate the beauty and interconnectedness of the natural world. Oliver's use of vivid imagery and sensory language creates a sense of the wonder and mystery of the world around us, while her message of paying attention to the small moments of life is a reminder to cherish each experience and recognize the preciousness of every creature, no matter how small.

Poem Snippet:

"Hello, said the world,

as the white-eyes

shook down happiness

from the snowy trees."

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