Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"The Forgotten Dialect of the Heart" is a poem by Jack Gilbert, an American poet known for his works that explore themes of love, loss, and the human experience. The poem was first published in 1982 in Gilbert's collection of poems titled "Monolithos."

Poem Explanation:

"The Forgotten Dialect of the Heart" is a poem that reflects on the idea of love and the search for connection. The speaker of the poem reflects on the ways in which we often try to describe and understand love, but ultimately find ourselves lacking. The poem suggests that love cannot be easily defined or understood, and that it often lies in the spaces between words and ideas.

Poetic Elements:

• Form: Free verse with no consistent rhyme or meter
• Imagery: Vivid descriptions of the natural world and human experiences, as well as the speaker's reflections on the nature of love
• Tone: Reflective and contemplative, with a sense of wonder and awe at the mysteries of love
• Symbolism: Use of the forgotten dialect of the heart as a symbol for the idea that love cannot be easily defined or understood, but rather must be felt and experienced.

Conclusion:

"The Forgotten Dialect of the Heart" is a beautiful and thought-provoking poem that invites us to reflect on the nature of love and the human search for connection. Through its use of vivid imagery, tone, and symbolism, the poem suggests that love cannot be easily defined or understood, but rather lies in the spaces between words and ideas. Ultimately, the poem reminds us of the power of love to transcend language and understanding, and of the importance of embracing the mysteries of life and love.

Poem Snippet:

How astonishing it is that language can almost mean,

and frightening that it does not quite. Love, we say,

God, we say, Rome and Michiko, we write, and the words

get it wrong. We say bread and it means according

Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!

Other Poems of Interest...