Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Time Lapse with Tulips" is a poem by American poet Tess Gallagher. It was published in her collection "Moon Crossing Bridge" in 1992. The poem explores themes of time, growth, and decay, using the image of tulips blooming and withering as a metaphor for the passage of time.

Explanation:

The poem begins with a description of tulips in a garden, growing tall and blooming with "heads / of glossy reds and yellows." The speaker notes the passage of time, as the tulips "turn slowly / in the light, their petals widening," and then begin to wither and fade.

As the poem progresses, the speaker reflects on the cyclical nature of life and death, describing how the tulips "come up and come up / until they are there" before fading away. The speaker also contemplates the transience of beauty, noting that the tulips "keep nothing for themselves" and "open for the world."

The poem concludes with a reflection on the passage of time, and the inevitability of change and loss. The speaker notes that "each day / a glistening strand of the web / snaps and falls away," and acknowledges the difficulty of accepting this impermanence: "who can say what / it is to lose a thing."

Poetic Elements:

• Form: Free verse
• Imagery: The image of tulips growing and withering is used throughout the poem to symbolize the passage of time and the cyclical nature of life and death.
• Tone: The tone of the poem is reflective and contemplative, with a sense of acceptance of the impermanence of life.
• Metaphor: The tulips are used as a metaphor for life, growth, and decay.

Conclusion:

"Time Lapse with Tulips" is a poignant meditation on the passage of time and the cyclical nature of life and death. Gallagher uses the image of tulips growing and withering to explore the transience of beauty, the inevitability of change, and the difficulty of accepting loss. The poem's reflective tone and vivid imagery make it a powerful contemplation of the human experience.

Poem Snippet:

"They turn slowly

in the light, their petals widening

until the faces of flowers

are formed before our eyes."

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