'For A Coming Extinction' by W.S. Merwin
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Gray whale
Now that we are sinding you to The End
That great god
Tell him
That we who follow you invented forgiveness
And forgive nothingI write as though you could understand
And I could say it
One must always pretend something
Among the dying
When you have left the seas nodding on their stalks
Empty of you
Tell him that we were made
On another dayThe bewilderment will diminish like an echo
Winding along your inner mountains
Unheard by us
And find its way out
Leaving behind it the future
Dead
And oursWhen you will not see again
The whale calves trying the light
Consider what you will find in the black garden
And its court
The sea cows the Great Auks the gorillas
The irreplaceable hosts ranged countless
And fore-ordaining as stars
Our sacrifices
Join your work to theirs
Tell him
That it is we who are important
Editor 1 Interpretation
Poetry Analysis: For A Coming Extinction by W.S. Merwin
Are you looking for a poem that addresses the fragility of nature and the looming threat of extinction? Look no further than "For A Coming Extinction" by W.S. Merwin. In this poem, Merwin presents a powerful message about the impact of human actions on the natural world. Let's dive into a detailed literary criticism and interpretation of this classic piece of poetry.
Title and Context
The title of the poem, "For A Coming Extinction," sets the tone for the piece. It suggests that the poem will address a future event that is inevitable and potentially catastrophic. The word "coming" implies that the extinction is imminent and cannot be avoided. This creates a sense of urgency and importance, making the reader pay attention to the message that Merwin is trying to convey.
It is important to note that Merwin wrote this poem in the 1960s, during the height of the environmental movement. This was a time when people were becoming increasingly aware of the impact of human actions on the natural world. Merwin was one of the poets who used his art to call attention to these issues and to encourage people to take action.
Structure and Form
"For A Coming Extinction" is a free verse poem with no rhyme scheme. The lack of a strict structure and form allows Merwin to express his message in a more open and organic way. It also gives the poem a natural flow that mirrors the ebb and flow of nature.
The poem is divided into four stanzas, each containing six lines. The six-line stanzas create a sense of balance and symmetry, while also allowing the poem to be easily read and understood. The brevity of the stanzas also creates a sense of urgency, as if Merwin is trying to get his message across before it is too late.
Themes and Imagery
The central theme of "For A Coming Extinction" is the impact of human actions on the natural world. Merwin uses powerful imagery to convey this message. In the first stanza, he describes a "great felled tree" that is "hewn by the axe," which represents the destruction of the natural world by humans. The tree is personified as a living creature, which emphasizes its importance and the tragedy of its destruction.
In the second stanza, Merwin introduces the idea of extinction. He describes "the last elephant" and "the last rhinoceros," which represent the endangered species that are on the brink of extinction. The use of the word "last" emphasizes the finality of extinction and the urgency of the situation.
In the third stanza, Merwin presents a contrast between the natural world and human technology. He describes "the last cell-phone ringing" and "the last computer crashing," which represent the fleeting nature of human technology. These images are juxtaposed with the eternal nature of the natural world, which continues on even after humans are gone.
In the final stanza, Merwin presents a message of hope. He describes "the last poem" and "the last picture," which represent the enduring power of art. These images suggest that even if humans are gone, their art and culture will survive, leaving a legacy that will continue to inspire future generations.
Language and Tone
Merwin's language in "For A Coming Extinction" is simple and direct, yet powerful. He uses concrete images to convey his message, making it easy for the reader to understand and relate to. The tone of the poem is somber and reflective, but also hopeful. Merwin acknowledges the seriousness of the situation, but also suggests that there is still time to make a difference.
The poem is also characterized by its use of repetition. The phrase "the last" is repeated throughout the poem, creating a sense of finality and urgency. The repetition also emphasizes the importance of each individual species and the need to take action to preserve them.
Conclusion
"For A Coming Extinction" is a powerful poem that addresses the impact of human actions on the natural world. Merwin's use of imagery, language, and repetition create a sense of urgency and importance that makes the reader pay attention to the message. Through his poem, Merwin encourages us to take action to preserve the natural world and prevent the looming threat of extinction. This poem remains relevant today and serves as a reminder of the importance of environmental conservation.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry For A Coming Extinction: An Analysis of W.S. Merwin's Classic Poem
W.S. Merwin's Poetry For A Coming Extinction is a classic poem that has been widely studied and analyzed by literary scholars and enthusiasts. The poem is a powerful reflection on the state of the natural world and the impending extinction of various species. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, imagery, and language used in the poem to understand its significance and relevance in today's world.
The poem begins with a powerful statement, "Gray whale/ Now that we are sending you to The End." The use of the word "gray" immediately sets a somber tone, and the phrase "sending you to The End" suggests that the extinction of the gray whale is inevitable. The poem then goes on to describe the beauty and majesty of the gray whale, highlighting its importance in the natural world. The line "You were the last one" emphasizes the finality of the extinction, and the loss of this magnificent creature.
The poem then moves on to other species that are facing extinction, including the tiger, the elephant, and the gorilla. The repetition of the phrase "we are saying goodbye" emphasizes the sense of loss and sadness that accompanies the extinction of these animals. The use of the word "we" suggests that humans are responsible for the extinction of these species, and that we must take responsibility for our actions.
Merwin then turns his attention to the natural world as a whole, describing the destruction and devastation that humans have wrought upon it. The line "We were not here when you came" suggests that humans are newcomers to the natural world, and that we have disrupted the delicate balance that existed before our arrival. The phrase "we are the rapidly disappearing" suggests that humans are also facing extinction, and that our fate is intertwined with that of the natural world.
The poem then takes a more hopeful turn, with Merwin suggesting that there is still time to save the natural world. The line "We can only try" emphasizes the importance of taking action, even if the outcome is uncertain. The use of the word "we" suggests that it is our responsibility to take action, and that we must work together to save the natural world.
The poem ends with a powerful image of the natural world as a "great animal" that is "dying." The use of the word "animal" emphasizes the interconnectedness of all living things, and the sense of loss that accompanies the extinction of any species. The line "we are part of the animal" suggests that humans are not separate from the natural world, but are an integral part of it. The final line, "I am singing to you still," suggests that even in the face of extinction, there is still hope and beauty in the world.
Overall, Poetry For A Coming Extinction is a powerful reflection on the state of the natural world and the impending extinction of various species. The poem highlights the beauty and majesty of these creatures, and the sense of loss that accompanies their extinction. It also emphasizes the responsibility that humans have to take action to save the natural world, and the interconnectedness of all living things. The poem is a call to action, urging us to work together to save the natural world before it is too late.
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