'A Birthday Candle' by Donald Justice
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The Summer Anniversaries1960Thirty today, I saw
The trees flare briefly like
The candles on a cake,
As the sun went down the sky,
A momentary flash,
Yet there was time to wish
Editor 1 Interpretation
A Birthday Candle: A Timeless Classic
Poetry has always been a medium of expression for people. Whether it's the joy of love or the agony of loss, it has been a source of comfort and solace for people of all ages. One such poem that has stood the test of time is "A Birthday Candle" by Donald Justice. This poem captures the essence of life, its fleeting nature and the importance of cherishing every moment.
The Theme of Life
The poem begins with the line "Thirty today, I saw the trees flare briefly like the candles upon a cake". The poet uses the image of a birthday cake to symbolize the passage of time. Just like a candle that burns out, life too is transient. The use of the word 'briefly' conveys the idea that life is short and one has to make the most of it. The trees, which are a symbol of life, are portrayed as flames that flicker and die out. The image is powerful and evokes a sense of urgency.
The Symbolism of the Candle
The poet then goes on to describe the candle that he lights on his birthday. The candle becomes a symbol of hope and optimism. It is a reminder that no matter how dark life may get, there is always light at the end of the tunnel. The candle also symbolizes the warmth and love that one receives from friends and family. The poet says, "I will make a wish and toss the flame for good luck". The act of making a wish and blowing out the candle is a tradition that is followed on birthdays. It is a small act that gives one the hope that their wishes will come true.
The Importance of Memories
As the poem progresses, the poet talks about the memories that he has. He says, "I remember the day I was born". The memory of one's birth is a significant one. It is the day when one enters the world and starts their journey. The poet then talks about the memories that he has of his childhood. He remembers the toys that he played with and the games that he played. The memories of childhood are always special. They are innocent and pure. The poet's memories evoke a sense of nostalgia and longing.
The Symbolism of the Butterfly
The poet then describes the butterfly that he sees outside his window. The butterfly becomes a symbol of transformation and change. The butterfly starts its life as a caterpillar and then transforms into a beautiful butterfly. The butterfly is also a symbol of freedom and flight. It is a reminder that one should spread their wings and soar high. The poet sees the butterfly as a metaphor for life. Life is a journey, and just like the butterfly, one has to go through different stages before they can fly.
The Importance of Gratitude
The poem ends with the lines, "I am grateful for this life! And yet I miss the alternatives." The poet acknowledges that life is a gift and he is grateful for it. He realizes that there are other paths that he could have taken, but he is content with the life that he has. The line "I miss the alternatives" is a reminder that life is full of choices, and one has to make the best of what they have. The poet's gratitude is a reminder that one should always be thankful for what they have.
Conclusion
"A Birthday Candle" is a timeless classic that captures the essence of life. The poem is a reminder that life is short and one should cherish every moment. The poem is filled with powerful imagery and symbolism that evokes a range of emotions. The use of the birthday candle, memories, and the butterfly, all serve to highlight the importance of life. The poem is a celebration of life and all that it has to offer. Donald Justice's "A Birthday Candle" is a poem that will continue to inspire and resonate with people for generations to come.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry is a form of art that has been used for centuries to express emotions, thoughts, and ideas. It is a medium that allows individuals to convey their deepest feelings and experiences through the use of language. One such poem that captures the essence of poetry is "A Birthday Candle" by Donald Justice. This poem is a beautiful representation of the power of poetry and its ability to evoke emotions in the reader.
The poem "A Birthday Candle" is a short but powerful piece that speaks to the human experience of aging. The poem begins with the speaker describing a birthday candle that has been burning for a long time. The candle is described as "a thin, / Wax spindle stemmed with fire" (lines 1-2). The use of the word "spindle" creates an image of something delicate and fragile, which is fitting for a birthday candle. The word "fire" is used to describe the flame, which is a common symbol of life and vitality.
As the poem progresses, the speaker begins to reflect on the passing of time. The candle is described as "burning away / The minutes and hours of our lives" (lines 3-4). This line is significant because it speaks to the idea that time is constantly moving forward and that we are all subject to its passage. The use of the word "our" is also significant because it suggests that the speaker is not alone in this experience. We are all subject to the passage of time, and this is something that unites us as human beings.
The speaker then goes on to describe the flame of the candle as "a small, / Unspeakable wish" (lines 5-6). This line is particularly poignant because it speaks to the idea that we all have wishes and desires that we may not be able to express in words. The use of the word "unspeakable" suggests that these wishes are deeply personal and may be difficult to articulate. However, the fact that the flame represents a wish suggests that there is still hope and possibility in life, even as we age.
The final lines of the poem are perhaps the most powerful. The speaker describes the flame of the candle as "a silent, / Unquestioning love" (lines 7-8). This line is significant because it speaks to the idea that love is a constant in our lives, even as we age. The use of the word "silent" suggests that love does not always need to be expressed in words. It is something that is felt deeply and can be communicated through actions and gestures. The use of the word "unquestioning" suggests that love is something that is unwavering and constant, even in the face of adversity.
Overall, "A Birthday Candle" is a beautiful and poignant poem that speaks to the human experience of aging. The use of language is simple yet powerful, and the imagery is evocative and moving. The poem speaks to the idea that time is constantly moving forward and that we are all subject to its passage. However, it also suggests that there is still hope and possibility in life, even as we age. The final lines of the poem are particularly powerful, as they speak to the idea that love is a constant in our lives, even in the face of adversity. This poem is a beautiful representation of the power of poetry and its ability to evoke emotions in the reader.
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