'The Speed Of Light' by W.S. Merwin
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So gradual in those summers was the goingof the age it seemed that the long days setting out
when the stars faded over the mountains were notleaving us even as the birds woke in full song and the dew
glittered in the webs it appeared then that the clear morningopening into the sky was something of ours
to have and keep and that the brightness we could not touchand the air we could not hold had come to be there all the time
for us and would never be gone and that the axlewe did not hear was not turning when the ancient car
coughed in the roofer's barn and rolled out echoingfirst thing into the lane and the only tractor
in the village rumbled and went into its rustymutterings before heading out of its lean-to
into the cow pats and the shadow of the lime treewe did not see that the swallows flashing and the sparks
of their cries were fast in the spokes of the hollowwheel that was turning and turning us taking us
all away as one with the tires of the baker's vanwhere the wheels of bread were stacked like days in calendars
coming and going all at once we did not hearthe rim of the hour in whatever we were saying
or touching all day we thought it was there and would stayit was only as the afternoon lengthened on its
dial and the shadows reached out farther and fartherfrom everything that we began to listen for what
might be escaping us and we heard high voices ringingthe village at sundown calling their animals home
and then the bats after dark and the silence on its road
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Speed of Light: A Poetic Masterpiece by W.S. Merwin
Have you ever read a poem that took your breath away? A piece of literature that not only evokes emotion but also provokes deep introspection? For me, that poem is "The Speed of Light" by W.S. Merwin. This masterpiece of poetry is a journey through time and space, through the human experience, and through the unfathomable depths of the universe. In this literary criticism, I will delve into the themes, structure, language, and poetic devices used by the author to create a work of art that stands the test of time.
The Themes
Before analyzing the poem's structure and language, it's important to understand the themes that Merwin explores in "The Speed of Light." At its core, this poem is about the passage of time and how it affects human existence. The poem begins with a description of the stars, which are millions of light-years away from us. The stars, which are the oldest things in the universe, serve as a metaphor for the passage of time. The poet reflects on how time moves forward, and how we are all "moving / at the speed of light" towards the inevitability of death. This theme of mortality is a central theme throughout the poem. Merwin examines the fleeting nature of life and how time changes our perceptions of the world around us.
Another important theme that Merwin explores in "The Speed of Light" is the relationship between the self and the universe. The poem suggests that we are all interconnected, and that our existence is part of a larger cosmic whole. Merwin uses language that suggests that we are small and insignificant compared to the vastness of the universe. At the same time, the poem suggests that we are also part of the universe and that our lives have meaning.
The Structure
Merwin's poem is structured in free verse, which means that it doesn't follow a specific rhyme scheme or meter. Instead, the poem is structured according to the poet's own sense of rhythm and pacing. The poem is divided into six sections, each of which explores a different aspect of the poem's themes. The sections are not marked by traditional stanza breaks or titles, but are separated by a space in the text. This gives the poem a sense of unity, as each section flows seamlessly into the next.
The poem's structure also reflects its themes of time and mortality. The poem begins with a description of the stars, which are billions of years old, and ends with a reflection on death. This structure emphasizes the fleeting nature of human existence, as well as the idea that we are all moving towards a common end.
The Language
Merwin's language in "The Speed of Light" is deceptively simple. The poem is written in plain English, and there are no complicated words or phrases. However, the language is also incredibly evocative, creating vivid images that linger in the reader's mind long after the poem is finished.
One of the most striking aspects of Merwin's language is his use of metaphor. Throughout the poem, he uses metaphors to create connections between different aspects of the universe. For example, he compares the stars to "a vast silence" and "a stillness / perfect and absolute." These metaphors emphasize the vastness of the universe, as well as the idea that the stars are eternal and unchanging.
Another important aspect of Merwin's language is his use of repetition. Throughout the poem, he repeats certain phrases and words, such as "moving" and "at the speed of light." This repetition creates a sense of rhythm and pacing, as well as emphasizing the poem's themes of time and mortality.
Poetic Devices
Merwin's poem also employs a number of poetic devices, which add depth and complexity to the poem's themes. One important device is enjambment, which is the continuation of a sentence or phrase from one line to the next. In "The Speed of Light," Merwin uses enjambment to create a sense of movement and flow. This device emphasizes the poem's themes of time and mortality, as well as creating a sense of unity between different sections of the poem.
Another important poetic device in "The Speed of Light" is imagery. Merwin uses vivid and evocative imagery to create a sense of the universe's vastness and complexity. For example, he describes the stars as "the oldest light / you have ever seen / the oldest light / you will ever see." This image creates a sense of awe and wonder, emphasizing the vastness and complexity of the universe.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "The Speed of Light" by W.S. Merwin is a masterpiece of poetry that explores the themes of time, mortality, and the relationship between the self and the universe. The poem's structure, language, and poetic devices all work together to create a work of art that is both evocative and profound. Merwin's use of metaphor, repetition, enjambment, and imagery add depth and complexity to the poem's themes, creating a work of art that stands the test of time. If you haven't read "The Speed of Light" yet, I highly recommend it. It's a poem that will take your breath away and leave you with a deeper appreciation of the universe and our place in it.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry has the power to transport us to another world, to make us feel and experience things we never thought possible. W.S. Merwin's "The Speed of Light" is a perfect example of this. This poem is a masterpiece that explores the beauty and mystery of the universe, and the human experience within it. In this analysis, we will delve deep into the poem's themes, structure, and language to understand why it is considered a classic.
Firstly, let's take a look at the poem's structure. "The Speed of Light" is a free verse poem, meaning it does not follow a specific rhyme or meter. This allows Merwin to experiment with the form and create a unique rhythm that reflects the poem's themes. The poem is divided into four stanzas, each with a different focus. The first stanza sets the scene, describing the universe as a vast and mysterious place. The second stanza focuses on the human experience within this universe, while the third stanza explores the concept of time. The final stanza brings the poem full circle, returning to the idea of the universe and its infinite possibilities.
Now, let's dive into the poem's themes. One of the most prominent themes in "The Speed of Light" is the idea of the universe as a vast and mysterious place. Merwin uses vivid imagery to describe the stars, galaxies, and planets, painting a picture of a universe that is both beautiful and awe-inspiring. He writes, "The stars are the chimneys of the night, / the planets, the lamps of the sky, / the galaxies, the chandeliers." This imagery creates a sense of wonder and amazement, reminding us of the infinite possibilities that exist beyond our own world.
Another theme in the poem is the human experience within this vast universe. Merwin explores the idea that we are all connected, despite our differences. He writes, "We are all travelers / on the same journey - but alone." This line encapsulates the human experience, highlighting the fact that we are all on our own individual paths, yet we are all connected by our shared humanity. Merwin also touches on the idea of mortality, reminding us that our time on this earth is limited. He writes, "We are here to witness the creation / and abet it. We are here to notice / each thing so each thing gets noticed." This line is a powerful reminder to live in the present moment and appreciate the beauty of life while we can.
The concept of time is also explored in "The Speed of Light." Merwin writes, "Time is the speed at which the past / disappears." This line highlights the fleeting nature of time, reminding us that the past is constantly slipping away from us. He also touches on the idea of memory, writing, "Memory is the garment we put on / a little while before we are laid in the earth." This line is a poignant reminder that our memories are all we have left when we are gone, and that they are an important part of our legacy.
Finally, let's take a look at the language used in the poem. Merwin's use of vivid imagery and metaphor creates a sense of wonder and awe, drawing the reader into the poem's world. He writes, "The universe is made of stories, / not of atoms." This line is a powerful reminder that the universe is not just a collection of physical objects, but a place full of meaning and significance. Merwin's use of repetition also adds to the poem's impact. He repeats the phrase "We are here" several times throughout the poem, emphasizing the importance of being present in the moment and appreciating the beauty of life.
In conclusion, "The Speed of Light" is a masterpiece of poetry that explores the beauty and mystery of the universe, and the human experience within it. Merwin's use of vivid imagery, metaphor, and repetition creates a sense of wonder and awe, drawing the reader into the poem's world. The themes of the poem - the vastness of the universe, the human experience, the fleeting nature of time, and the importance of memory - are all explored with depth and nuance. This poem is a true classic, and a testament to the power of poetry to transport us to another world and make us feel and experience things we never thought possible.
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