Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"The Good Night and Good Morning of Federico Garcia Lorca" is a poem by David Wagoner, an American poet and novelist known for his works that explore themes of nature and the human experience. Wagoner was born in 1926 in Ohio and has written numerous books of poetry, including "The Good Night and Good Morning of Federico Garcia Lorca," which was first published in 1981.

Explanation:

The poem "The Good Night and Good Morning of Federico Garcia Lorca" is a tribute to the Spanish poet and playwright Federico Garcia Lorca, who was assassinated during the Spanish Civil War. The poem describes Lorca's good night and good morning rituals, and how they were imbued with a sense of poetry and wonder. The poem also touches on the idea that Lorca's life and death were a testament to the power of art and the human spirit.

Poetic Elements:

• Form: Free verse with no consistent rhyme or meter
• Imagery: Vivid descriptions of Lorca's good night and good morning rituals, and the power of art and the human spirit
• Repetition: Use of repetition in the phrases "good night" and "good morning" to emphasize Lorca's rituals
• Allusion: Allusion to Lorca's life and death, and the power of art and the human spirit to transcend tragedy

Conclusion:

"The Good Night and Good Morning of Federico Garcia Lorca" is a beautiful and poignant poem that celebrates the life and work of a great poet and playwright. Through the use of vivid imagery, repetition, and allusion, the poem portrays Lorca's good night and good morning rituals as a testament to the power of poetry and wonder. The poem also honors Lorca's life and death as a testament to the power of art and the human spirit to transcend tragedy.

Poem Snippet:

Good night to the wind that blows the poppies

and to the ones that sing and the ones that weep,

good morning to the fog that chokes the valleys

and to the ones that see the sun and the ones that sleep.

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