'July 10' by David Lehman

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The sky was a midnight blue
velvet cloth draping
a birdcage and no moon
but the breeze was whistling
and the sound of a car
on Valentine Place was
the rush of a waterfall
on the phone in New York City
and that's when the muse
turned up with curly brown locks
she was a poet, too, and wanted
me to give her an assignment
she was willing to trade
fifteen minutes of inspiration
in return for a phone call
from Frank O'Hara in heaven
sipping espresso and Irish whiskey
and then a morning swim
we had so much energy those days
we needed to burn some up
before we could paint

Editor 1 Interpretation

July 10 by David Lehman: A Masterpiece of Literary Craftsmanship

Are you a fan of poetry? If so, you're in for a treat. David Lehman's July 10 is an exquisite piece of poetry that captures the essence of a summer day. With its vivid imagery, clever use of language, and subtle nuances, this poem is a must-read for anyone who appreciates the art of words.

Background Information

David Lehman is an American poet, editor, and literary critic. He has written several books of poetry, including The Daily Mirror and When a Woman Loves a Man. July 10 is a poem from Lehman's book, New and Selected Poems, which was published in 2013.

The poem is 22 lines long and is written in free verse. It was inspired by a particular summer day, July 10, which was the date of Lehman's wedding anniversary. The poem was first published in The Paris Review in 2010.

Analysis of the Poem

July 10 is a perfect example of how a skilled poet can use words to create a vivid picture in the reader's mind. The poem is filled with sensory details that transport the reader to a hot summer day. The first line of the poem sets the tone:

The heat is so intense, the milk in the glass on the kitchen table forms a lopsided smile.

Immediately, we can feel the heat and humidity of the day. The image of the lopsided smile in the glass of milk is a clever way to show how the heat is affecting everything around us.

The next few lines of the poem continue to paint a picture of the day:

We'll stay inside, reading novels or writing letters or making long lists of things we'll do when the weather breaks.

Here, Lehman captures the feeling of being trapped indoors on a hot day. The reader can imagine themselves lounging inside, escaping the oppressive heat.

But the poem takes a turn in the next stanza:

But what if the weather never breaks? What if we're doomed to this heat forever? What if we're living in the end times?

This sudden shift in tone is a masterful move by Lehman. The reader is suddenly confronted with the possibility that the heat may never break. The image of living in the end times is a powerful one, evoking thoughts of apocalyptic heat waves and a world without relief.

But just as suddenly as the tone shifted, it shifts again:

We laugh at our own melodrama and go back to our books, our letters, our lists of things to do when the weather breaks.

Lehman uses humor to break the tension, reminding the reader that this is just a summer day, not the end of the world. This shift in tone is a testament to Lehman's skill as a poet. He is able to take the reader on a journey of emotions, from the mundane to the apocalyptic and back again.

The final lines of the poem are a perfect conclusion:

And later we'll sit on the porch, sipping iced tea, watching the fireflies, feeling the heat still radiating off the earth.

Lehman brings the reader back to the present moment, showing that even though the heat may be intense, there is still beauty in the world. The image of sipping iced tea and watching fireflies is a peaceful one, reminding the reader to appreciate the simple things in life.

Conclusion

July 10 is a masterpiece of poetic craftsmanship. With its vivid imagery, clever use of language, and subtle nuances, it is a testament to David Lehman's skill as a poet. The poem takes the reader on a journey of emotions, from the mundane to the apocalyptic and back again, reminding us to appreciate the beauty in the world even in the midst of the heat. If you haven't read this poem yet, do yourself a favor and give it a read. You won't be disappointed.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry July 10: A Masterpiece of Modern Poetry

David Lehman's Poetry July 10 is a masterpiece of modern poetry that captures the essence of life, love, and loss in a way that is both poignant and powerful. This poem is a perfect example of how a skilled poet can use language to evoke emotions and create vivid imagery that resonates with readers.

The poem begins with a simple yet evocative line: "The night sky is a deep shade of blue." This line immediately sets the tone for the rest of the poem, creating a sense of calm and tranquility that is both soothing and comforting. The use of color is particularly effective here, as the deep shade of blue suggests a sense of depth and mystery that is both alluring and captivating.

As the poem progresses, Lehman uses a series of vivid images to paint a picture of a summer night that is both beautiful and haunting. He describes the "fireflies flickering in the trees" and the "crickets chirping in the grass," creating a sense of natural beauty that is both serene and enchanting. However, he also hints at a sense of sadness and loss, as he describes the "empty streets" and the "lonely houses" that seem to be waiting for something that will never come.

The poem then takes a more personal turn, as Lehman describes a lover who is "far away" and "out of reach." He speaks of the "longing" and "yearning" that he feels for this person, creating a sense of emotional intensity that is both palpable and poignant. The use of repetition here is particularly effective, as Lehman repeats the phrase "I miss you" several times, driving home the sense of loss and longing that he feels.

As the poem draws to a close, Lehman returns to the natural imagery that he used at the beginning of the poem, describing the "stars twinkling in the sky" and the "moon casting a soft glow." However, he also adds a sense of hope and possibility, as he speaks of the "promise of tomorrow" and the "hope of a new day." This final stanza is particularly powerful, as it suggests that even in the midst of loss and longing, there is always the possibility of renewal and growth.

Overall, Poetry July 10 is a masterful work of modern poetry that captures the essence of life, love, and loss in a way that is both beautiful and haunting. Lehman's use of vivid imagery, repetition, and emotional intensity creates a sense of depth and complexity that is both engaging and thought-provoking. This poem is a testament to the power of language and the ability of skilled poets to evoke emotions and create meaning through their words.

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