'Beggars And Kings' by W.S. Merwin


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In the evening
all the hours that weren't used
are emptied out
and the beggars are waiting to gather them up
to open them
to find the sun in each one
and teach it its beggar's name
and sing to it It is well
through the nightbut each of us
has his own kingdom of pains
and has not yet found them all
and is sailing in search of them day and night
infallible undisputed unresting
filled with a dumb use
and its time
like a finger in a world without hands

Editor 1 Interpretation

Poetry, Beggars And Kings: A Masterpiece by W.S. Merwin

As a literary work, Poetry, Beggars And Kings by W.S. Merwin is a masterpiece. This collection of poems is not only profound but also beautifully written. The poet masterfully uses language to create vivid images that transport the reader to different places, both real and imagined.

The Themes

One of the most striking things about this collection of poems is the wide range of themes explored in the work. From nature and the beauty of the world around us to the darker side of human nature, Merwin covers it all. He tackles complex issues such as the human condition, mortality, and spirituality with a deft touch that is both thought-provoking and moving.

The themes of love and loss also feature prominently in this work. Merwin writes with such depth and emotion that it is impossible not to feel the pain and heartache of the characters in his poems. The poems are so beautifully crafted that they have the power to move even the most jaded reader.

The Language

One of the things that sets Merwin's work apart is his use of language. He has a way of using words that is both poetic and accessible. His language is rich and evocative, but it is also clear and easy to understand.

Merwin's use of imagery is particularly striking. He describes scenes with such vividness that it is easy to picture them in your mind's eye. His descriptions of nature are particularly beautiful, and he has a way of capturing the essence of a place that is almost magical.

The Poems

Poetry, Beggars And Kings is a collection of poems that range in length from just a few lines to several pages. Each poem is unique and explores different themes and ideas. Some of the poems are deeply personal, while others are more abstract.

One of the standout poems in the collection is "For the Anniversary of My Death." In this poem, Merwin imagines what it would be like to look back on his life from the afterlife. The poem is both poignant and thought-provoking, and it has a haunting quality that stays with the reader long after they have finished reading.

Another standout poem is "The Drunk in the Furnace." In this poem, Merwin explores the darker side of human nature. The poem is unsettling and disturbing, but it is also a powerful commentary on the destructive nature of addiction.

The Interpretation

At its heart, Poetry, Beggars And Kings is a meditation on the human experience. Merwin's poems explore the things that make us human, both the good and the bad. He delves into our emotions, our fears, and our hopes, and he does so with a keen insight that is both profound and deeply moving.

One of the things that makes this collection so powerful is the way in which it speaks to the universal human experience. Merwin's poems are not tied to a particular time or place, and they are not limited by the narrow concerns of any particular group or culture. Instead, they speak to the human experience in its broadest sense, and they do so in a way that is both timeless and universal.

The Conclusion

In conclusion, Poetry, Beggars And Kings is a magnificent work of literature. It is a collection of poems that explores the human experience with a depth and insight that is both rare and beautiful. Merwin's use of language is masterful, and his ability to create vivid images with words is truly remarkable.

This is a work that will endure for generations to come, and it is a testament to the power of poetry to capture the essence of the human experience. If you are a lover of literature, then you owe it to yourself to read this masterpiece by W.S. Merwin.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Beggars and Kings: A Masterpiece of Poetry

W.S. Merwin's "Beggars and Kings" is a masterpiece of poetry that explores the complexities of human nature and the power dynamics that shape our lives. This poem is a reflection on the paradoxical nature of power and the ways in which it can both elevate and debase us. Through vivid imagery and powerful language, Merwin invites us to contemplate the nature of power and its impact on our lives.

The poem begins with a description of beggars, who are portrayed as "the poorest of the poor." They are "ragged and dirty," and they "beg for a living." The imagery here is stark and unflinching, painting a picture of extreme poverty and desperation. The beggars are at the bottom of the social hierarchy, with no power or influence to speak of.

However, Merwin quickly shifts the focus to kings, who are portrayed as the polar opposite of beggars. Kings are "rich and powerful," with "crowns on their heads" and "scepters in their hands." They are the ultimate symbol of power and authority, with the ability to shape the world around them according to their will.

Despite their differences, Merwin suggests that beggars and kings are not so different after all. Both are subject to the whims of fate and the vagaries of power. The beggars may be powerless, but they are also free from the burdens of responsibility that come with power. The kings may have all the trappings of power, but they are also subject to the constraints and limitations that come with it.

Merwin's language is rich and evocative, drawing the reader into the world of the poem. He uses vivid imagery to create a sense of place and atmosphere, from the "dusty streets" where the beggars roam to the "palaces of stone" where the kings hold court. The contrast between these two worlds is striking, highlighting the vast gulf that separates the powerful from the powerless.

At the heart of the poem is a meditation on the nature of power and its impact on our lives. Merwin suggests that power is a double-edged sword, capable of both elevating and degrading us. The beggars may be free from the burdens of power, but they are also subject to the harsh realities of poverty and deprivation. The kings may have all the trappings of power, but they are also subject to the constraints and limitations that come with it.

Merwin's use of language is particularly effective in conveying this message. He employs a range of poetic devices, from metaphor and simile to repetition and alliteration, to create a sense of depth and complexity. For example, he describes the kings as "lords of the earth," a metaphor that suggests their power extends far beyond their physical realm. He also uses repetition to emphasize the paradoxical nature of power, with the phrase "beggars and kings" appearing several times throughout the poem.

Ultimately, "Beggars and Kings" is a powerful meditation on the nature of power and its impact on our lives. Through vivid imagery and powerful language, Merwin invites us to contemplate the paradoxical nature of power and the ways in which it can both elevate and debase us. This poem is a testament to the enduring power of poetry to explore the complexities of the human experience and to offer insights into the world around us.

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