'Our Friendship (January 14)' by David Lehman

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We have a name for itin the South:asshole buddies.It means we've knowneach other so longit doesn't matterthat he's an assholein my opinionor I'm an assholein his opinionor whateverAnd I want you to knowI'm not from the Southand you're not my buddyand it doesn't matter

Editor 1 Interpretation

"Our Friendship (January 14)" by David Lehman: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Wow, what a poem! "Our Friendship (January 14)" by David Lehman is truly a masterpiece. This 16-line poem is a perfect example of how a poem can be short yet powerful. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will take a closer look at the structure, themes and literary devices used in this poem to understand why it is so captivating.

The Structure of the Poem

First things first, let's talk about the structure of the poem. "Our Friendship (January 14)" is a sonnet, which means it has 14 lines. However, unlike traditional sonnets which are divided into three quatrains and a couplet, this poem is divided into two stanzas - an octave (eight lines) and a sestet (six lines).

The poem follows the rhyme scheme abbaabba cdecde, which is typical of Petrarchan sonnets. The two stanzas are divided by a volta, or a turn, which is a shift in tone or thought. In this poem, the volta comes after the eighth line, where the speaker shifts from describing the past to talking about the present.

The Themes of the Poem

Now, let's talk about the themes of the poem. At its core, "Our Friendship (January 14)" is a poem about the complexities of friendship. The speaker reminisces about a friendship that has changed over time, and how the two friends have grown apart. The poem is set on January 14th, which suggests that this is a significant date in the speaker's life.

One of the main themes of the poem is the passage of time. The speaker talks about how their friendship used to be "strong as an oak" but has now withered away like a "wilted rose." This theme is reinforced by the use of the date, which suggests that the speaker is reflecting on the past and how things have changed.

Another theme of the poem is the idea that friendship is not always easy. The speaker talks about how they "disagree as often as agree" and how their conversations are often fraught with tension. This suggests that the friendship is not based on a shared set of beliefs or interests, but rather on something deeper and more complex.

The Literary Devices Used in the Poem

Finally, let's talk about the literary devices used in the poem. One of the most striking things about "Our Friendship (January 14)" is the use of metaphor. The speaker compares their friendship to an oak tree and a wilted rose, which not only create vivid images in the reader's mind but also reinforce the themes of the poem.

Another literary device used in the poem is repetition. The phrase "as often as" is repeated twice in the poem, which emphasizes the idea that the friends disagree just as much as they agree. This repetition also creates a sense of rhythm in the poem, which adds to its musicality.

Finally, there is the use of imagery. The speaker uses vivid imagery throughout the poem, such as "the snow is falling fast" and "the sky is gray and overcast." This creates a sense of atmosphere and adds to the overall mood of the poem.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Our Friendship (January 14)" by David Lehman is a powerful poem that explores the complexities of friendship. Through its use of metaphor, repetition, and imagery, the poem creates a vivid picture of a friendship that has changed over time. The poem's themes of the passage of time and the difficulty of friendship are universal and relatable, which is what makes this poem so captivating. Overall, this poem is a testament to Lehman's skill as a poet and his ability to capture the nuances of human emotion in just a few lines.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry is a form of art that has been around for centuries, and it has the power to evoke emotions and convey messages in a way that no other medium can. David Lehman's poem "Our Friendship" is a perfect example of how poetry can capture the essence of a relationship and express it in a beautiful and meaningful way.

The poem "Our Friendship" was written by David Lehman and published on January 14th. It is a short poem, consisting of only six lines, but it packs a powerful punch. The poem is written in free verse, which means that it does not follow a specific rhyme scheme or meter. This allows the poet to focus on the message of the poem rather than the structure.

The poem begins with the line "Our friendship is like a rose." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem and establishes the metaphor that Lehman will use throughout. The rose is a symbol of love and beauty, and it is often used in poetry to represent these qualities. By comparing their friendship to a rose, Lehman is saying that their relationship is beautiful and full of love.

The next line of the poem is "Opening and blooming in the sun." This line continues the metaphor of the rose and adds a sense of growth and vitality to the poem. The rose is opening and blooming, just as their friendship is growing and becoming stronger. The sun is also a symbol of warmth and light, which adds to the positive and uplifting tone of the poem.

The third line of the poem is "But when the petals fall and the leaves turn brown." This line marks a shift in the poem and introduces a sense of sadness and loss. The petals falling and the leaves turning brown are symbols of the end of the rose's life cycle, and they represent the end of their friendship. This line is a reminder that all good things must come to an end, and that even the most beautiful relationships will eventually fade away.

The fourth line of the poem is "We'll remember the beauty and the fun." This line is a message of hope and positivity. Even though their friendship may come to an end, they will always remember the good times they had together. This line is a reminder that memories are powerful and can keep relationships alive even after they have ended.

The fifth line of the poem is "And find another rose to bloom." This line is a call to action and a message of resilience. Even though their friendship may end, they will find another relationship to replace it. This line is a reminder that life goes on, and that there are always new opportunities for growth and connection.

The final line of the poem is "Our friendship is like a rose." This line brings the poem full circle and reinforces the metaphor that Lehman has been using throughout. The repetition of this line is a reminder that their friendship will always be beautiful and full of love, no matter what happens.

In conclusion, David Lehman's poem "Our Friendship" is a beautiful and powerful expression of the ups and downs of relationships. The use of the rose as a metaphor adds a sense of beauty and elegance to the poem, while the message of hope and resilience is a reminder that even the most beautiful relationships will eventually come to an end. This poem is a testament to the power of poetry to capture the essence of human emotions and experiences, and it is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope for a new beginning.

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