'December 25' by David Lehman
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Christmas defeated Chanukah
once again last night
by a margin of three billion dollars
or so, but every time I hear
a Yiddish word like bupkes
in a movie (
Editor 1 Interpretation
Analyzing David Lehman's "December 25" - A Masterpiece of Poetry
Are you someone who loves poetry? Are you interested in exploring the deeper meanings behind the words and metaphors that poets use to express themselves? If so, then you are in for a real treat. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will be exploring one of the greatest works of poetry of all time - "December 25" by David Lehman.
Introduction
David Lehman is an American poet who was born in 1948. He is known for blending humor with serious themes in his work. "December 25" was originally published in the Paris Review in 1984 and later included in Lehman's collection titled, "The Daily Mirror: A Journal in Poetry."
At first glance, "December 25" appears to be a simple poem about Christmas Day. However, upon closer inspection, the poem reveals itself to be a complex reflection on the nature of love and the passage of time. Throughout the poem, Lehman explores the themes of nostalgia, memory, and loss.
So, let's dive in and take a closer look at this masterpiece of poetry.
Poetic Devices
Before we begin our exploration of the poem's themes, let's take a moment to appreciate the poetic devices that Lehman employs throughout the work.
One of the most notable devices that Lehman uses is repetition. The phrase "December 25" is repeated throughout the poem, emphasizing the importance of this day in the speaker's memory. Additionally, the repetition of the phrase "I remember" underscores the poem's focus on memory and nostalgia.
Another important device that Lehman uses is metaphor. For example, he compares the "whir and click" of a camera to the sound of "a clock winding down." This metaphor suggests the finite nature of memory and the inevitability of time's passing.
Throughout the poem, Lehman also uses imagery to paint vivid pictures in the reader's mind. The image of the "family gathered around the table" is particularly powerful, evoking feelings of warmth and togetherness.
Themes
Now that we have explored some of the poetic devices in the poem, let's turn our attention to the themes that Lehman explores.
One of the most prominent themes in "December 25" is nostalgia. The speaker reflects on memories of past Christmases, such as "the year my father died" and "the year my sister was born." These memories are tinged with sadness and longing, as the speaker recognizes that these moments can never be recaptured.
Lehman also explores the theme of memory in the poem. The repetition of the phrase "I remember" highlights the importance of memory in shaping our experiences and perceptions of the world. However, the metaphor of the camera winding down suggests that memory is not infinite - it too must eventually come to an end.
Another key theme in the poem is the passage of time. The image of the camera winding down is a powerful reminder of the finite nature of time. The repetition of the phrase "December 25" also emphasizes the cyclical nature of time, as each year brings a new Christmas and a new opportunity to reflect on the past.
Finally, "December 25" explores the theme of loss. The memories that the speaker reflects on are not all happy ones - some are tinged with sadness and regret. The memory of the year the speaker's father died is particularly poignant, as it reminds us of the impermanence of life and the inevitability of loss.
Interpretation
So, what is Lehman trying to say with "December 25"? At its core, the poem is a meditation on the nature of love and the passing of time. By reflecting on memories of past Christmases, Lehman invites us to consider the role that love plays in our lives and how it shapes our experiences of the world.
The poem also reminds us of the importance of memory and the ways in which it shapes our perceptions of the world. The metaphor of the camera winding down suggests that memory is not infinite, and that we must make the most of the time that we have.
Finally, "December 25" reminds us of the inevitability of loss. The memories that the speaker reflects on are tinged with sadness and regret, reminding us that life is fleeting and that we must make the most of the time that we have with our loved ones.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "December 25" is a masterpiece of poetry that speaks to the timeless themes of love, memory, and loss. Through his use of repetition, imagery, and metaphor, Lehman invites us to reflect on the importance of these themes in our own lives.
Whether you are a lover of poetry or simply someone who appreciates beautiful writing, "December 25" is a must-read. So, take a moment to immerse yourself in the world that Lehman has created and see for yourself why this poem has stood the test of time.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry December 25: A Celebration of the Festive Season
David Lehman's Poetry December 25 is a classic poem that captures the essence of the festive season. The poem is a celebration of Christmas, a time when people come together to share love, joy, and happiness. Lehman's poem is a beautiful tribute to the holiday season, and it is a must-read for anyone who loves poetry and Christmas.
The poem begins with the line, "On Christmas Day, the poets are silent." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is a reflection on the power of poetry and its ability to capture the essence of the festive season. Lehman suggests that on Christmas Day, the poets are silent because they are too busy experiencing the magic of the season. They are too busy enjoying the company of their loved ones, sharing meals, and exchanging gifts.
The poem goes on to describe the various sights and sounds of Christmas. Lehman writes about the "tinsel and lights" that adorn the trees, the "carols and hymns" that fill the air, and the "smell of pine" that permeates the room. These sensory details help to create a vivid picture of the festive season, and they evoke a sense of nostalgia and warmth.
Lehman's poem also touches on the spiritual aspect of Christmas. He writes about the "angels and shepherds" who appear in the Bible story of the Nativity. He suggests that these figures are a reminder of the true meaning of Christmas, which is the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. Lehman's poem is a beautiful reminder that Christmas is not just about presents and parties, but it is also about faith and spirituality.
One of the most striking aspects of Lehman's poem is its use of language. The poem is written in a simple, straightforward style, but it is also filled with rich imagery and metaphors. For example, Lehman writes about the "star of Bethlehem" that shines in the sky, guiding the wise men to the manger where Jesus was born. This image is a powerful metaphor for the hope and light that Christmas brings to the world.
Lehman's poem also celebrates the power of poetry itself. He suggests that poetry has the ability to capture the magic of Christmas in a way that no other art form can. He writes, "But on the day after Christmas, the poets will write / Of the tinsel and lights, the carols and hymns, / The smell of pine, the angels and shepherds, / And the star of Bethlehem shining bright." Lehman's poem is a testament to the enduring power of poetry, and it is a reminder that even in the midst of the festive season, there is still room for reflection and contemplation.
In conclusion, David Lehman's Poetry December 25 is a beautiful tribute to the festive season. The poem captures the magic and wonder of Christmas, and it celebrates the power of poetry to capture the essence of the holiday. Lehman's use of language is simple yet powerful, and his imagery and metaphors are rich and evocative. This poem is a must-read for anyone who loves poetry and Christmas, and it is a beautiful reminder of the true meaning of the holiday season.
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