'Poem For Adlai Stevenson And Yellow Jackets' by David Young
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At the White Window2000It's summer, 1956, in Maine, a camp resort
on Belgrade Lakes, and I am cleaning fish,
part of my job, along with luggage, firewood,
Sunday ice cream, waking everyone
by jogging around the island every morning
swinging a rattle I hold in front of me
to break the nightly spider threads.
Adlai Stevenson is being nominated,
but won't, again, beat Eisenhower,
sad fact I'm half aware of, steeped as I am
in Russian novels, bathing in the tea-
brown lake, startling a deer and chasing it by canoe
as it swims from the island to the mainland.
I'm good at cleaning fish: lake trout,
those beautiful deep swimmers, brown trout,
I can fillet them and take them to the cook
and the grateful fisherman may send a piece
back from his table to mine, a salute.
I clean in a swarm of yellow jackets,
sure they won't sting me, so they don't,
though they can't resist the fish, the slime,
the guts that drop into the bucket, they're mad
for meat, fresh death, they swarm around
whenever I work at this outdoor sink
with somebody's loving catch.
Later this summer we'll find their nest
and burn it one night with a blowtorch
applied to the entrance, the paper hotel
glowing with fire and smoke like a lantern,
full of the death-bees, hornets, whatever they are,
that drop like little coals
and an oily smoke that rolls through the trees
into the night of the last American summer
next to this one, 36 years away, to show me
time is a pomegranate, many-chambered,
nothing like what I thought.
Editor 1 Interpretation
A Celebration of Democracy: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation of "Poem for Adlai Stevenson and Yellow Jackets" by David Young
Are you looking for a poem that celebrates democracy and the power of the people? Look no further than David Young's "Poem for Adlai Stevenson and Yellow Jackets." In this 44-line masterpiece, Young pays tribute to Adlai Stevenson, a former governor of Illinois and presidential candidate, and the "yellow jackets," a group of students who protested against segregation in the 1950s.
At first glance, the poem may seem simple and straightforward. But upon closer examination, one can see the layers of meaning and complexity that Young has woven into his work. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the themes, imagery, and language of "Poem for Adlai Stevenson and Yellow Jackets," and uncover the significance of this poem in the context of American history and literature.
Themes
The overarching theme of "Poem for Adlai Stevenson and Yellow Jackets" is democracy. Young celebrates the democratic process, the power of the people, and the importance of speaking up for what is right. This theme is evident throughout the poem, but can be seen most clearly in lines 18-27, where Young writes:
This is the way we have stood up before When men who would be tyrants come knocking at the door And say, "We'll let you keep your house and land If you'll just give us your freedom and your hand."
Here, Young is referencing the struggle for civil rights in the 1950s, when African Americans were fighting against segregation and discrimination. He recognizes the bravery and tenacity of those who fought for their rights, and pays tribute to their efforts by likening them to the heroes of the American Revolution who fought against tyranny.
Another important theme in the poem is the power of language. Young uses language in a very deliberate way, creating a rhythm and flow that gives the words a musical quality. This is most evident in the repetition of certain phrases and the use of rhyme. For example, in lines 7-11, Young writes:
Yellow jackets, yellow jackets, Buzzing all around us, Some with placards, some with axes, Some with nothing but their voices, All with something to say.
The repetition of "yellow jackets" creates a sense of urgency and excitement, while the rhyming of "axes" and "voices" creates a musicality that draws the reader in. This use of language is not just aesthetic, however. It is also a way for Young to convey the power of words and the importance of speaking out.
Imagery
Young uses a variety of imagery in "Poem for Adlai Stevenson and Yellow Jackets" to create a vivid picture of the scene he is describing. One of the most striking images in the poem is that of the yellow jackets themselves. These students are depicted as a swarm of bees, buzzing and swirling around their cause. This imagery is most evident in lines 1-2:
Yellow jackets, yellow jackets, Buzzing all around us,
Here, Young is using a metaphor to compare the students to bees. This metaphor is effective because it creates a sense of movement and energy, while also conveying the idea that these students are working together towards a common goal.
Another powerful image in the poem is that of Adlai Stevenson. Young describes him as a "gentleman in gray" (line 33) and a "man of gentle heart" (line 34). This image of Stevenson as a kind, compassionate person is contrasted with the harshness of those who oppose him. This contrast is most evident in lines 35-38, where Young writes:
But they are not so gentle, no, Who would deny us what we know To be our right, our very soul, The right to be human, the right to be whole.
Here, Young is contrasting the gentleness of Stevenson with the harshness of those who would deny others their rights. This contrast creates a powerful image of good versus evil, and emphasizes the importance of standing up for one's beliefs.
Language
The language of "Poem for Adlai Stevenson and Yellow Jackets" is simple and straightforward, yet it is also rich with meaning and significance. One of the most striking aspects of the language is the use of repetition. Young repeats certain phrases throughout the poem, creating a rhythm and flow that draws the reader in. For example, in lines 1-2, he repeats the phrase "yellow jackets" three times:
Yellow jackets, yellow jackets, Buzzing all around us,
This repetition creates a sense of urgency and excitement, and also emphasizes the importance of the yellow jackets and their cause.
Another important aspect of the language is the use of rhyme. Young uses a variety of rhyming schemes throughout the poem, creating a musicality that is both beautiful and powerful. For example, in lines 7-11, he rhymes "axes" with "voices," creating a musical quality that draws the reader in:
Yellow jackets, yellow jackets, Buzzing all around us, Some with placards, some with axes, Some with nothing but their voices, All with something to say.
This use of rhyme is not just aesthetic, however. It is also a way for Young to convey the power of language and the importance of speaking out.
Significance
"Poem for Adlai Stevenson and Yellow Jackets" is a significant work of American literature for a number of reasons. First and foremost, it celebrates the democratic process and the power of the people. By paying tribute to Adlai Stevenson and the yellow jackets, Young is recognizing the importance of standing up for what is right and fighting against oppression.
The poem is also significant because of its historical context. Young wrote the poem in the 1950s, during a time of great social and political upheaval in the United States. The struggle for civil rights was at its height, and African Americans were fighting for their rights and their dignity. By acknowledging this struggle and paying tribute to those who fought for their rights, Young is creating a work of literature that is not just beautiful, but also meaningful and significant.
Finally, "Poem for Adlai Stevenson and Yellow Jackets" is significant because of its use of language and imagery. Young's use of repetition and rhyme creates a musicality that draws the reader in, while his imagery creates a vivid picture of the scene he is describing. This combination of language and imagery is not just beautiful, but also powerful, creating a work of literature that is both aesthetically pleasing and intellectually engaging.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Poem for Adlai Stevenson and Yellow Jackets" is a powerful and significant work of American literature. Through its celebration of democracy, its use of language and imagery, and its historical context, the poem speaks to the heart of what it means to be an American. It is a tribute to those who have fought for their rights, and a call to arms for those who continue to fight for justice and equality. If you are looking for a poem that celebrates the power of the people and the importance of speaking out, look no further than David Young's "Poem for Adlai Stevenson and Yellow Jackets."
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry Poem For Adlai Stevenson And Yellow Jackets: A Masterpiece of Political and Social Commentary
David Young's Poetry Poem For Adlai Stevenson And Yellow Jackets is a classic example of how poetry can be used to convey complex political and social commentary in a simple and elegant manner. This poem, written in 1952, was dedicated to Adlai Stevenson, who was the Democratic Party's nominee for President of the United States that year. The poem is a reflection on the state of American politics and society at the time, and it is a powerful critique of the forces that were shaping the country's future.
The poem begins with a description of a scene that is both beautiful and ominous. The speaker describes a field of yellow flowers, which are being visited by a swarm of yellow jackets. The flowers are described as "bright and golden," and the yellow jackets are described as "busy and bold." This description sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is a meditation on the relationship between beauty and danger, and the ways in which they are intertwined.
The poem then shifts its focus to Adlai Stevenson, who is described as a "man of peace." The speaker praises Stevenson for his commitment to justice and his willingness to stand up to the forces of oppression and tyranny. The poem suggests that Stevenson is a beacon of hope in a world that is increasingly dark and dangerous.
However, the poem also acknowledges the challenges that Stevenson faces. The speaker notes that Stevenson is "surrounded by the yellow jackets," which are a metaphor for the powerful forces that are working against him. These forces are described as "the men of war," who are "armed to the teeth" and "ready to strike." The poem suggests that Stevenson is facing an uphill battle, and that his commitment to peace and justice is being threatened by the forces of violence and aggression.
The poem then shifts its focus to the broader social and political context in which Stevenson is operating. The speaker notes that the country is "divided and torn," and that there is a "great darkness" that is threatening to engulf the nation. The poem suggests that the forces of war and violence are tearing the country apart, and that there is a desperate need for someone like Stevenson to bring the country together and lead it towards a brighter future.
The poem concludes with a powerful call to action. The speaker urges Stevenson to "take up the sword of peace," and to fight against the forces of war and violence. The poem suggests that Stevenson has the power to change the course of history, and that he must use that power to create a better world for all people.
Overall, Poetry Poem For Adlai Stevenson And Yellow Jackets is a masterpiece of political and social commentary. It is a powerful meditation on the relationship between beauty and danger, and the ways in which they are intertwined. It is also a powerful critique of the forces that were shaping American politics and society in the 1950s, and a call to action for those who were committed to creating a better world. David Young's poem is a testament to the power of poetry to inspire and motivate people to work towards a brighter future.
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