'September 22' by David Lehman

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It's the day of the ram
and the head of the year
Rosh Ha'Shanah at
services I sat next to
Mel Torme who outshone
all comers with his bar
mitzvah heroics while on
my left is Barnett Newman
big talker whose favorite
subjects include the horses
and the stock market he
knows the odds the women
are seated upstairs this is
an orthodox congregation
very serious I make
eye contact with the wife
of Menelaus who runs off
with Paris confident I'm Paris.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Poetry, September 22: A Poetic Journey of Memories

Are you a poetry lover looking for new poems to add to your collection? Are you searching for a poem that captures life's essence and brings to light the beauty of memories? Then look no further, David Lehman's "Poetry, September 22" is the perfect poem for you.

With its captivating lines and thought-provoking imagery, this poem takes you on a poetic journey of memories. It is a poem that celebrates the power of poetry and the memories that it can evoke. In this literary criticism, we will analyze the poem's structure, themes, and literary devices to provide an in-depth interpretation of this timeless classic.

Structure and Form

The poem is structured in seven stanzas, each containing four lines. The use of quatrains gives the poem a sense of order and symmetry, which is appropriate since the poem is celebrating poetry's ability to order and give meaning to life's experiences. Additionally, the poem is written in free verse, which is a form that allows the poet to use the rhythm and cadence of natural speech. This choice of form is appropriate since the poem is about personal memories and experiences.

Themes

The poem has several themes, but the most prominent is the theme of memory. Lehman uses memories as a way of exploring the power of poetry. The poem celebrates the way in which poetry can capture and preserve memories, making them eternal. In the first stanza, Lehman writes, "The day is gone, and the year is gone, and I am finally alone with my memories." This line sets the tone for the poem and establishes the importance of memory. Lehman's use of the word "finally" suggests that the memories are something he has been waiting for and that they are valuable to him.

Another important theme in the poem is the theme of time. Lehman uses time to explore the fleeting nature of life and the power of poetry to transcend time. In the second stanza, Lehman writes, "Time is a trick, a vast conspiracy to hoax us into thinking it's objective and neutral." This line suggests that time is not an objective measure but is instead a subjective experience shaped by our memories and perceptions. Lehman's use of the word "conspiracy" suggests that time is something that we are complicit in creating.

Literary Devices

Lehman uses several literary devices to create the poem's unique imagery and rhythm. One of the most prominent devices he uses is metaphor. Lehman uses metaphor to describe poetry's power to capture memories and give them eternal life. In the fifth stanza, Lehman writes, "Poetry is a time machine that can take us back to the past, or propel us into the future." This metaphor is powerful because it suggests that poetry has the power to transcend time and space, taking us on a journey through our memories.

Another literary device that Lehman uses effectively is repetition. He repeats the word "September" throughout the poem, creating a sense of unity and continuity. He also repeats the phrase "the day is gone, and the year is gone," which creates a sense of loss and nostalgia.

Interpretation

Overall, "Poetry, September 22" is a powerful poem that celebrates the power of memory and poetry. Lehman's use of metaphor and repetition creates a sense of unity and continuity that makes the poem feel timeless. The theme of memory is explored in depth, and the poem suggests that memories are what give our lives meaning. Additionally, the poem suggests that poetry has the power to capture and preserve memories, making them eternal.

The poem is also a commentary on the nature of time and how our experiences shape our perceptions of it. Lehman suggests that time is not an objective measure but is instead a subjective experience shaped by our memories and perceptions.

In conclusion, "Poetry, September 22" is a must-read for anyone who loves poetry and wants to be reminded of the power of memory. This poem is a testament to the enduring quality of poetry and the importance of preserving our memories. The poem's structure, themes, and literary devices all work together to create a powerful and memorable poem that will stay with you long after you have finished reading it.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry has always been a medium of expression for the human soul. It is a form of art that has the power to evoke emotions and feelings that are otherwise difficult to express. David Lehman's poem "September 22" is a beautiful example of how poetry can capture the essence of a moment and make it timeless.

The poem is a reflection on the autumnal equinox, which marks the beginning of fall. It is a time when the days and nights are of equal length, and the sun crosses the celestial equator, moving southward. The poem begins with the line, "The day of equal light and darkness," which sets the tone for the rest of the poem.

Lehman's use of language is simple yet powerful. He paints a vivid picture of the changing season with lines like, "The leaves turn as if they were made of flames," and "The sky is a deep blue that seems to go on forever." The imagery is so vivid that one can almost feel the crispness in the air and smell the scent of fallen leaves.

The poem is divided into three stanzas, each with a distinct theme. The first stanza talks about the changing of the season and how it affects the natural world. The second stanza is a reflection on the passing of time and how it affects human life. The third stanza is a call to action, urging the reader to embrace the present moment and make the most of it.

In the first stanza, Lehman describes the changing of the season with lines like, "The leaves turn as if they were made of flames," and "The air is crisp and cool, and the sky is a deep blue that seems to go on forever." The imagery is so vivid that one can almost feel the crispness in the air and smell the scent of fallen leaves. The changing of the season is a reminder that everything in life is temporary and that change is inevitable.

In the second stanza, Lehman reflects on the passing of time and how it affects human life. He writes, "We are all travelers on this earth, and time is our only companion." The line is a reminder that time waits for no one and that we must make the most of the time we have. Lehman also writes, "The past is a memory, and the future is unknown," which is a reminder that we cannot change the past and that the future is uncertain.

In the third stanza, Lehman urges the reader to embrace the present moment and make the most of it. He writes, "Let us live in the moment and savor every second," which is a call to action to live life to the fullest. The line, "For time is fleeting, and life is short," is a reminder that life is precious and that we must make the most of it.

Overall, "September 22" is a beautiful poem that captures the essence of the changing season and the passing of time. Lehman's use of language is simple yet powerful, and the imagery is so vivid that one can almost feel the crispness in the air and smell the scent of fallen leaves. The poem is a reminder that life is precious and that we must make the most of the time we have. It is a call to action to embrace the present moment and savor every second.

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