'Question' by May Swenson
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Nature: Poems Old and New1994Body my house
my horse my hound
what will I do
when you are fallenWhere will I sleep
How will I ride
What will I huntWhere can I go
without my mount
all eager and quick
How will I know
in thicket ahead
is danger or treasure
when Body my good
bright dog is deadHow will it be
to lie in the sky
without roof or door
and wind for an eyeWith cloud for shift
how will I hide?
Editor 1 Interpretation
Poetry, Question by May Swenson: A Critical Analysis
May Swenson was an American poet who lived from 1913 to 1989. She was known for her unique style of poetry, which often involved the use of unconventional metaphors and imagery. One of her most famous works is the poem "Poetry, Question," which is a thought-provoking piece that explores the nature of poetry and the role that it plays in our lives. In this critical analysis, we will take a closer look at this poem and examine its deeper meanings and interpretations.
The Poem
Before we dive into our analysis, let us first take a look at the poem in its entirety:
How do poems grow?
They grow out of your life.
What is a poem worth?
A poem is worth just so much
and no more.
What is a poem?
It is a response
to the daily
growing
and dying
of our lives.
What is poetry?
It is a question
with no answer,
a dancer
that will dance
just so many
dances.
What is the use of poetry?
The use of poetry
is to find
the questions
that are worth
asking.
What is possible in poetry?
Everything.
What is impossible in poetry?
Nothing.
The poem is broken up into seven stanzas, each of which poses a different question about poetry. The questions are simple, but the answers are deep and thought-provoking. Let us now examine each stanza in more detail.
How do poems grow?
The opening stanza of the poem sets the tone for the rest of the piece by posing a simple yet profound question: How do poems grow? Swenson's answer is equally simple but profound: they grow out of your life. In other words, poems are a reflection of our experiences, thoughts, and emotions. They are the product of our unique perspective on the world around us. This stanza sets the stage for the rest of the poem by suggesting that poetry is deeply rooted in our personal experiences.
What is a poem worth?
The second stanza of the poem asks another simple question: What is a poem worth? Swenson's answer is concise and to the point: a poem is worth just so much and no more. At first glance, this answer may seem unsatisfying. However, upon closer examination, we can see that Swenson is suggesting that the value of a poem lies not in its monetary or commercial worth, but in its ability to capture the essence of our experiences in a way that is both meaningful and profound.
What is a poem?
The third stanza of the poem asks the most fundamental question of all: What is a poem? Swenson's answer is poetic in its simplicity: it is a response to the daily growing and dying of our lives. In other words, a poem is an expression of the fleeting moments that make up our existence. This stanza is particularly powerful because it suggests that poetry has the ability to capture the essence of life in all its complexity and beauty.
What is poetry?
The fourth stanza of the poem asks another fundamental question: What is poetry? Swenson's answer is poetic in its own right: it is a question with no answer, a dancer that will dance just so many dances. The beauty of this stanza lies in its paradoxical nature. On the one hand, Swenson suggests that poetry is a question without an answer, which seems to render it meaningless. On the other hand, she compares it to a dancer, which implies movement, beauty, and grace. This stanza is particularly interesting because it suggests that poetry is inherently ambiguous and open to interpretation.
What is the use of poetry?
The fifth stanza of the poem asks a more practical question: What is the use of poetry? Swenson's answer is pragmatic and insightful: the use of poetry is to find the questions that are worth asking. In other words, poetry is a tool that we can use to explore the big questions of life. It allows us to reflect on our experiences and to ask questions that we may not otherwise think to ask.
What is possible in poetry?
The sixth stanza of the poem takes a more positive tone by asking: What is possible in poetry? Swenson's answer is simple but inspiring: Everything. This stanza suggests that poetry is limitless in its potential. It can be used to explore any topic, to express any emotion, and to capture any experience. This stanza is particularly powerful because it suggests that poetry is not bound by any limitations or boundaries.
What is impossible in poetry?
The final stanza of the poem asks: What is impossible in poetry? Swenson's answer is reassuring: Nothing. This stanza suggests that poetry is not limited by any external constraints. It can be used to express any idea, to explore any theme, and to capture any emotion. This stanza is particularly powerful because it suggests that poetry is not bound by any limitations or boundaries.
Interpretation
Now that we have examined each stanza of the poem in detail, let us turn our attention to its deeper meanings and interpretations. At its core, "Poetry, Question" is a meditation on the nature of poetry and its role in our lives. Swenson suggests that poetry is deeply rooted in our personal experiences and that its value lies not in its commercial worth but in its ability to capture the essence of life in all its complexity and beauty.
The poem also suggests that poetry is fundamentally ambiguous and open to interpretation. It invites us to ask questions that may not have clear answers and to explore topics that may not have easy solutions. In this sense, poetry is both a tool for reflection and a means of discovery.
Finally, the poem suggests that poetry is limitless in its potential. It can be used to explore any topic, to express any emotion, and to capture any experience. This suggests that poetry is not limited by any external constraints and that it has the power to connect us to the world in a way that is both meaningful and profound.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Poetry, Question" is a thought-provoking and inspiring poem that explores the nature of poetry and its role in our lives. Swenson's answers to the questions posed in the poem are simple but profound, and they invite us to reflect on the deeper meaning of poetry and its potential to connect us to the world around us. This poem is a testament to the power of poetry and its ability to capture the essence of life in all its complexity and beauty.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
May Swenson’s “Poetry Question” is a thought-provoking poem that explores the nature of poetry and its relationship with the world around us. The poem is a classic example of Swenson’s unique style, which is characterized by its simplicity, clarity, and attention to detail. In this analysis, we will explore the various themes and literary devices used in the poem, and how they contribute to its overall meaning.
The poem begins with a simple question: “What is poetry?” This question is one that has puzzled poets and scholars for centuries, and Swenson’s poem offers a unique perspective on the subject. She begins by describing poetry as “a kind of dreaming,” suggesting that it is a way of accessing the subconscious mind and exploring the depths of our imagination. This idea is reinforced by the use of the word “float” in the second line, which suggests a sense of weightlessness and freedom.
Swenson goes on to describe poetry as “a way of seeing,” suggesting that it is a lens through which we can view the world around us. This idea is reinforced by the use of the word “window” in the third line, which suggests that poetry allows us to see beyond the surface of things and into their deeper meanings. The use of the word “light” in the fourth line further reinforces this idea, suggesting that poetry illuminates the world around us and helps us to see things in a new way.
The poem then takes a more introspective turn, as Swenson asks, “What is it to me?” This question suggests that poetry is a deeply personal experience, and that its meaning can vary from person to person. Swenson goes on to describe her own experience of poetry, saying that it is “a way of being,” suggesting that it is a fundamental part of her identity. This idea is reinforced by the use of the word “breath” in the sixth line, which suggests that poetry is as essential to her as the air she breathes.
The poem then takes a more philosophical turn, as Swenson asks, “What is it to the world?” This question suggests that poetry has a broader significance beyond the individual, and that it has the power to shape the world around us. Swenson goes on to describe poetry as “a way of knowing,” suggesting that it is a means of understanding the world and our place in it. This idea is reinforced by the use of the word “truth” in the eighth line, which suggests that poetry has the power to reveal deeper truths about ourselves and the world around us.
The poem then takes a more playful turn, as Swenson asks, “What is it to pigs?” This question is a humorous way of suggesting that poetry is a universal experience, and that even animals can appreciate its beauty. Swenson goes on to describe poetry as “a way of rooting,” suggesting that it is a way of connecting with the earth and our animal nature. This idea is reinforced by the use of the word “snout” in the tenth line, which suggests a sense of groundedness and rootedness in the natural world.
The poem then takes a more mystical turn, as Swenson asks, “What is it to stars?” This question suggests that poetry has a cosmic significance, and that it has the power to connect us with the universe. Swenson goes on to describe poetry as “a way of shining,” suggesting that it is a way of illuminating the darkness and bringing light to the world. This idea is reinforced by the use of the word “glow” in the twelfth line, which suggests a sense of radiance and luminosity.
The poem then returns to its original question, as Swenson asks, “What is poetry?” This question is now imbued with a deeper sense of meaning, as Swenson has explored the various ways in which poetry can be experienced and understood. Swenson’s answer is simple but profound: “It is you.” This answer suggests that poetry is a deeply personal experience, and that it is ultimately a reflection of ourselves and our relationship with the world around us.
In terms of literary devices, Swenson’s poem is characterized by its use of metaphor and imagery. Each stanza of the poem uses a different metaphor to describe poetry, and each metaphor is reinforced by vivid and evocative imagery. For example, the metaphor of poetry as “a kind of dreaming” is reinforced by the image of “float[ing] like a cloud,” while the metaphor of poetry as “a way of seeing” is reinforced by the image of “a window opening on a new scene.”
Swenson’s poem is also characterized by its use of repetition and parallelism. The repetition of the question “What is poetry?” at the beginning and end of the poem creates a sense of symmetry and balance, while the parallel structure of each stanza reinforces the idea that poetry can be experienced in many different ways.
In conclusion, May Swenson’s “Poetry Question” is a beautiful and thought-provoking poem that explores the nature of poetry and its relationship with the world around us. Through its use of metaphor, imagery, repetition, and parallelism, the poem offers a unique perspective on the subject, and invites readers to consider their own relationship with poetry. Whether you are a poet, a scholar, or simply a lover of language, this poem is sure to inspire and delight.
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