'Children Selecting Books In A Library' by Randall Jarrell

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With beasts and gods, above, the wall is bright.
The child's head, bent to the book-colored shelves,
Is slow and sidelong and food-gathering,
Moving in blind grace ... yet from the mural, Care
The grey-eyed one, fishing the morning mist,
Seizes the baby hero by the hair
And whispers, in the tongue of gods and children,
Words of a doom as ecumenical as dawn
But blanched like dawn, with dew.
The children's cries
Are to men the cries of crickets, dense with warmth
-- But dip a finger into Fafnir, taste it,
And all their words are plain as chance and pain.
Their tales are full of sorcerers and ogres
Because their lives are: the capricious infinite
That, like parents, no one has yet escaped
Except by luck or magic; and since strength
And wit are useless, be kind or stupid, wait
Some power's gratitude, the tide of things.
Read meanwhile ... hunt among the shelves, as dogs do, grasses,
And find one cure for Everychild's diseases
Beginning: Once upon a time there was
A wolf that fed, a mouse that warned, a bear that rode
A boy. Us men, alas! wolves, mice, bears bore.
And yet wolves, mice, bears, children, gods and men
In slow preambulation up and down the shelves
Of the universe are seeking ... who knows except themselves?
What some escape to, some escape: if we find Swann's
Way better than our own, an trudge on at the back
Of the north wind to -- to -- somewhere east
Of the sun, west of the moon, it is because we live
By trading another's sorrow for our own; another's
Impossibilities, still unbelieved in, for our own ...
"I am myself still?" For a little while, forget:
The world's selves cure that short disease, myself,
And we see bending to us, dewy-eyed, the great
CHANGE, dear to all things not to themselves endeared.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Poetry, Children Selecting Books In A Library: A Masterpiece of Poetry Analysis

When it comes to Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Randall Jarrell, it's hard not to be impressed by the depth and complexity of his work. His poem, "Poetry, Children Selecting Books In A Library," is no exception. This poem, written in 1960, is a masterful example of Jarrell's ability to delve into the human condition and explore the complexities of life through simple, everyday experiences.

The Power of Observation

One of the most striking things about "Poetry, Children Selecting Books In A Library" is Jarrell's incredible attention to detail. He meticulously observes the actions and thoughts of the children in the library, capturing their excitement and curiosity as they browse the shelves and select their books. The poem is full of vivid imagery that paints a picture of the library and the children within it.

"Quietly they laugh and turn, and the rector's son,
his face flushed, his hair dark with sweat,
comes running, his hands full of books,
toward the desk."

In this passage, Jarrell not only describes the physical actions of the children but also captures their emotions. The image of the rector's son running with books in his hands conveys a sense of excitement and joy, while his flushed face and dark hair suggest that his enthusiasm has left him breathless.

The Importance of Poetry

Jarrell's poem also explores the role of poetry in our lives. He suggests that poetry has the power to inspire and transform us, to help us see the world in new ways.

"A little girl wipes her hands in her dress
and wonders, staring at the long shelves,
if she is brave enough to go there alone."

In this passage, we see the transformative power of poetry. The little girl is hesitant and unsure, but the books on the shelves offer her a sense of possibility and adventure. The simple act of selecting a book, of engaging with poetry, has the power to make her feel brave and courageous.

The Complexity of Human Emotion

Another aspect of "Poetry, Children Selecting Books In A Library" that is particularly impressive is Jarrell's ability to capture the complexity of human emotion. He portrays the children in the library as both innocent and wise, vulnerable and brave.

"They watch their parents,
speaking together, looking into the books,
smiling together, and go back
to their separate worlds,
their own new books."

In this passage, Jarrell captures the bittersweet feeling of growing up. The children are both connected to and separate from their parents, exploring their own unique interests and passions. The image of the children "going back to their separate worlds" is poignant and powerful, suggesting that even in the midst of joy and adventure, there is always a sense of loss and separation.

Conclusion

Overall, "Poetry, Children Selecting Books In A Library" is a remarkable poem that explores the complexities of human emotion and the transformative power of poetry. Jarrell's attention to detail and his ability to capture the emotions and thoughts of his subjects are truly remarkable. This poem is a testament to the enduring power of poetry and its ability to help us see the world in new and profound ways.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Children Selecting Books In A Library: A Masterpiece by Randall Jarrell

Randall Jarrell's "Poetry Children Selecting Books In A Library" is a masterpiece that captures the essence of childhood curiosity and the joy of discovering new things. The poem is a vivid portrayal of a group of children who are browsing through a library, looking for books that will capture their imagination and transport them to new worlds. The poem is a celebration of the power of literature to inspire and enrich our lives.

The poem begins with a description of the children as they enter the library. They are full of energy and excitement, eager to explore the shelves and discover new books. Jarrell describes the children as "climbing up the shelves / And tugging at the volumes" (lines 1-2), which creates a sense of chaos and excitement. The children are not just browsing the shelves; they are actively engaged in the search for new books.

As the children search for books, they are drawn to different genres and styles. Some are drawn to the "bright picture books" (line 4), while others are fascinated by the "thick books of fairy tales" (line 5). Jarrell captures the diversity of the children's interests, showing how each child is unique and has their own preferences.

The poem then shifts to a description of the books themselves. Jarrell describes the books as "waiting like lovely sleeping women" (line 7), which creates a sense of anticipation and excitement. The books are not just objects on a shelf; they are living things, waiting to be awakened by the children's curiosity.

As the children continue to search for books, they become more and more engrossed in their task. Jarrell describes how the children "stand tiptoe" (line 9) and "reach for the books" (line 10), showing how they are fully engaged in the search. The children are not just passive observers; they are active participants in the process of discovery.

The poem then shifts to a description of the children's reactions to the books they have found. Jarrell describes how the children "open them with a sudden slowness" (line 11), showing how they are savoring the moment of discovery. The children are not just rushing through the books; they are taking their time, enjoying every moment of the experience.

As the children read the books, they become lost in the stories and the worlds they have discovered. Jarrell describes how the children "sit down in the middle of the carpet" (line 13) and "lose themselves in the stories" (line 14). The children are not just reading the books; they are living the stories, experiencing the adventures and the emotions of the characters.

The poem ends with a description of the children as they leave the library. Jarrell describes how the children "go out into the sunlight" (line 15), showing how they have been transformed by their experience. The children are not just leaving the library; they are leaving a world of imagination and discovery.

In conclusion, "Poetry Children Selecting Books In A Library" is a masterpiece that captures the essence of childhood curiosity and the joy of discovering new things. The poem is a celebration of the power of literature to inspire and enrich our lives. Jarrell's vivid descriptions of the children and the books create a sense of excitement and anticipation, drawing the reader into the world of the poem. The poem is a reminder of the importance of literature in our lives and the joy of discovering new worlds through the written word.

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