Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Richard Wilbur's poem "For the Student Strikers" was first published in The New York Times in May 1970. The poem was written during a time of student protests and strikes against the Vietnam War, and it reflects the poet's concern for the safety and well-being of the young people involved in these demonstrations.

Explanation:

The poem opens with a description of the young student strikers who are "riding the high tide of protest," chanting and singing as they march through the streets. The speaker of the poem expresses his admiration for their courage and idealism, but he also expresses his concern for their safety, knowing that they are facing violence and repression from the authorities.

As the poem progresses, the speaker reflects on the larger political and cultural context in which the student protests are taking place. He notes the "waste and folly" of war and violence, and he calls on the strikers to remember that their struggle is part of a larger movement for justice and peace.

Poetic Elements:

• Free verse
• Use of imagery and sensory details to create vivid descriptions
• Repetition of phrases and sounds to create a sense of momentum and urgency
• Rhyme Scheme: The poem does not have a consistent rhyme scheme, as it is written in free verse.

Conclusion:

"For the Student Strikers" is a powerful and timely poem that captures the spirit of student activism during a turbulent time in American history. Richard Wilbur's use of vivid imagery and repetition creates a sense of urgency and momentum that draws the reader into the experience of the student strikers. While the poem is rooted in a specific historical context, its themes of idealism, courage, and the struggle for justice and peace are timeless and continue to resonate with readers today.

Poem Snippet:

They ride the high tide of protest

On sleek shoulders, chanting and singing,

Their young arms round each other's waist,

Their voices mounting, then recoiling.

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