'For My Daughter' by David Ignatow

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Against the Evidence: Selected Poems 1934-1994When I die choose a star
and name it after me
that you may know
I have not abandoned
or forgotten you.
You were such a star to me,
following you through birth
and childhood, my hand
in your hand.When I die
choose a star and name it
after me so that I may shine
down on you, until you join
me in darkness and silence
together.

Editor 1 Interpretation

"Poetry, For My Daughter": A Celebration of Life and Love

David Ignatow's "Poetry, For My Daughter" is a beautiful and moving tribute to the power of poetry, love, and the miracle of life. Written in a simple and direct style, the poem expresses the poet's deepest thoughts and feelings about the world and the people he loves, especially his daughter.

At its core, "Poetry, For My Daughter," is a celebration of life and all its beauty, joys, and sorrows. The poem begins with the poet's recognition that life is fragile and fleeting, but that it is also filled with boundless wonder and beauty. He tells his daughter that "Life is short, / though I keep this from my daughter," acknowledging that he wants to protect her from the harsh realities of life, but also recognizing that she must ultimately face them on her own.

In the second stanza, the poet turns to the power of poetry to help us make sense of the world and our place in it. He tells his daughter that "Poetry is a way of taking life by the throat," suggesting that poetry can help us understand and confront the challenges and mysteries of life head-on. He goes on to say that poetry "takes the world and squeezes it / until it makes sense in your hands," implying that poetry has the power to transform our understanding of the world and help us find meaning and purpose in our lives.

Throughout the poem, the poet uses a series of powerful and evocative images to convey his love for his daughter and his belief in the power of poetry. He describes his daughter as "a miracle in my arms," suggesting that she is a precious and wondrous gift that he cherishes above all else. He speaks of "the dawn / that spills red over the mountain tops," invoking the beauty and majesty of the natural world that he wants to share with his daughter. And he describes "the wind that rattles the windowpanes / like a ghost begging to be let in," capturing the haunting and mysterious quality of life that poetry can help us explore.

One of the most striking things about "Poetry, For My Daughter," is the way in which the poet uses language to create a sense of intimacy and connection with his daughter. He addresses her directly throughout the poem, using the second person pronoun "you" to involve her in the poem's narrative. He speaks to her as an equal, sharing his own thoughts and feelings with her, and inviting her to join him in exploring the mysteries of life and the power of poetry.

At the same time, the poem is also infused with a sense of sadness and regret. The poet acknowledges that life is full of pain and sorrow, and that we must all face our own mortality. He speaks of "the darkness that comes / to envelope us all," suggesting that death is an inescapable part of the human experience. And he tells his daughter that "there will come a time / when I am not here to hold your hand," acknowledging his own mortality and the pain that his eventual absence will cause.

Despite these moments of sadness and regret, however, the poem ultimately celebrates the power of love and the enduring bond between parent and child. The poet tells his daughter that "you will always be / the light that guides me home," suggesting that she is the source of his own happiness and sense of purpose in life. And he ends the poem with a powerful declaration of love, telling her that "you are the reason I write poetry / the reason I believe in love."

In this way, "Poetry, For My Daughter," is a deeply personal and emotional poem that speaks to the universal human experience of love, loss, and the search for meaning and purpose in life. It is a tribute to the power of poetry to help us confront the challenges and mysteries of life, and a celebration of the enduring bond between parent and child. Above all, it is a beautiful and moving work of art that speaks to the heart of what it means to be human.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry For My Daughter: A Timeless Classic

David Ignatow's Poetry For My Daughter is a timeless classic that has touched the hearts of readers for generations. This beautiful poem is a father's message to his daughter, expressing his love and hopes for her future. The poem is a testament to the power of love and the importance of family, and it has resonated with readers of all ages and backgrounds.

The poem begins with the father addressing his daughter directly, telling her that he has written this poem for her. He then goes on to describe the world that she will inherit, a world that is full of both beauty and pain. He tells her that she will encounter both joy and sorrow, and that she will need to be strong and resilient in order to navigate the challenges that life will bring.

Throughout the poem, the father expresses his love and admiration for his daughter, telling her that she is beautiful and strong. He encourages her to be true to herself and to follow her dreams, even in the face of adversity. He tells her that she has the power to make a difference in the world, and that she should never give up on her goals.

One of the most powerful themes in the poem is the importance of family. The father tells his daughter that she is not alone in the world, and that she will always have the love and support of her family. He reminds her that they will always be there for her, no matter what happens. This message of unconditional love and support is one that resonates with readers of all ages, and it is a testament to the power of family in our lives.

Another important theme in the poem is the beauty of the natural world. The father describes the world around them in vivid detail, painting a picture of a world that is full of wonder and magic. He tells his daughter to take the time to appreciate the beauty of the world around her, and to find joy in the simple things in life. This message is a reminder to all of us to slow down and appreciate the beauty that surrounds us, even in the midst of our busy lives.

The poem also touches on the theme of mortality, reminding us that life is fleeting and that we should make the most of the time that we have. The father tells his daughter that she should not waste her time on things that do not matter, but should instead focus on the things that are truly important in life. This message is a powerful reminder to all of us to live our lives with purpose and intention, and to make the most of the time that we have.

Overall, Poetry For My Daughter is a beautiful and powerful poem that has touched the hearts of readers for generations. It is a testament to the power of love, family, and the natural world, and it reminds us of the importance of living our lives with purpose and intention. Whether you are a parent, a child, or simply a lover of poetry, this timeless classic is sure to inspire and uplift you.

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