'Letter To Kizer From Seattle' by Richard Hugo
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31 Letters and 13 Dreams1977Dear Condor: Much thanks for that telephonic support
from North Carolina when I suddenly went ape
in the Iowa tulips. Lord, but I'm ashamed.
I was afraid, it seemed, according to the doctor
of impending success, winning some poetry prizes
or getting a wet kiss. The more popular I got,
the softer the soft cry in my head: Don't believe them.
You were never good. Then I broke and proved it.
Ten successive days I alienated women
I liked best. I told a coed why her poems were bad
(they weren't) and didn't understand a word I said.
Really warped. The phrase "I'll be all right"
came out too many unsolicited times. I'm o.k. now.
I'm back at the primal source of poems: wind, sea
and rain, the market and the salmon. Speaking
of the market, they're having a vital election here.
Save the market? Tear it down? The forces of evil
maintain they're trying to save it too, obscuring,
of course, the issue. The forces of righteousness,
me and my friends, are praying for a storm, one
of those grim dark rolling southwest downpours
that will leave the electorate sane. I'm the last poet
to teach the Roethke chair under Heilman.
He's retiring after 23 years. Most of the old gang
is gone. Sol Katz is aging. Who isn't? It's close now
to the end of summer and would you believe it
I've ignored the Blue Moon. I did go to White Center,
you know, my home town, and the people there,
many are the same, but also aging, balking, remarkably
polite and calm. A man whose name escapes me
said he thinks he had known me, the boy who went alone
to Longfellow Creek and who laughed and cried
for no reason. The city is huge, maybe three quarters
of a million and lots of crime. They are indicting
the former chief of police. Sorry to be so rambling.
I eat lunch with J. Hillis Miller, brilliant and nice
as they come, in the faculty club, overlooking the lake,
much of it now filled in. And I tour old haunts,
been twice to Kapowsin. One trout. One perch. One poem.
Take care, oh wisest of condors. Love. Dick. Thanks again.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Exploring the Depths of Richard Hugo’s “Letter to Kizer from Seattle”
Richard Hugo’s “Letter to Kizer from Seattle” is a masterful piece of poetry that speaks to the heart of human emotions. The poem is a representation of one man’s journey through life, filled with memories, regrets, and an ever-present longing for something more. Through his use of vivid imagery and powerful metaphors, Hugo creates a world that is both rich and complex. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the depths of Hugo’s writing and attempt to unravel the meaning behind this timeless piece.
The Power of Imagery
Hugo’s use of imagery is perhaps one of the most striking features of “Letter to Kizer from Seattle”. From the very beginning, the reader is transported to a world of vivid colors and textures. For instance, the opening lines of the poem create a sense of melancholy and longing:
“The light here dies on everything but the water.”
These lines set the tone for the entire poem, as the reader is introduced to the idea of a place that is both beautiful and lonely. The imagery of the dying light creates a sense of sadness, while the focus on the water creates a sense of vastness and loneliness.
But Hugo’s use of imagery does not stop there. Throughout the poem, he describes the world around him with a level of detail that is both impressive and captivating. For instance, he describes the “black and silver” of the water, the “brown of the hills”, and the “gray of the sky”. Each of these descriptions creates a sense of depth and complexity, as the reader is able to visualize the world around him.
A Journey Through Time
One of the most striking aspects of “Letter to Kizer from Seattle” is its focus on time. Hugo’s poem is a journey through his own memories, as he reflects on his past and the choices he has made. For instance, he writes:
“I’ve lived here too long to change, but in my dreams I am almost home.”
These lines speak to the idea of nostalgia, as Hugo longs for a time when things were simpler and he was more content. The use of the word “home” creates a sense of comfort and familiarity, as if the speaker is searching for something that he has lost.
Throughout the poem, Hugo’s focus on time creates a sense of depth and complexity. As he reflects on his past, the reader is able to see a side of him that is both vulnerable and relatable. It is as if he is inviting the reader into his own personal journey through life.
A Search for Meaning
At its core, “Letter to Kizer from Seattle” is a poem about the search for meaning. Hugo’s speaker is on a journey, searching for something more in his life. For instance, he writes:
“I want to live where soul meets body and the world correctly labels everything.”
These lines represent a longing for something more, a desire to find a place where things make sense and everything has a purpose. The speaker is searching for a sense of belonging, a place where he can feel at home.
This theme of searching for meaning is present throughout the entire poem. Hugo’s speaker reflects on his past and the choices he has made, searching for a sense of purpose. And yet, despite his longing, he is unable to find what he is looking for. It is as if he is always searching, always looking for something more.
Conclusion
In conclusion, “Letter to Kizer from Seattle” is a powerful piece of poetry that speaks to the heart of human emotions. Hugo’s use of imagery creates a world that is both rich and complex, while his focus on time creates a sense of depth and vulnerability. At its core, the poem is about the search for meaning, a desire to find a place where things make sense and everything has a purpose. Through his writing, Hugo invites the reader into his own personal journey through life, creating a sense of intimacy and relatability. Overall, “Letter to Kizer from Seattle” is a masterpiece of poetry that will continue to resonate with readers for years to come.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Richard Hugo’s “Letter to Kizer from Seattle” is a classic poem that captures the essence of the Pacific Northwest. The poem is a letter to fellow poet, Stanley Kizer, who was living in New York at the time. Hugo, who was living in Seattle, writes to Kizer about the beauty and complexity of the city and the surrounding landscape. The poem is a celebration of the Pacific Northwest, and it is a testament to Hugo’s love for the region.
The poem is written in free verse, which allows Hugo to experiment with form and structure. The poem is divided into four sections, each of which explores a different aspect of the Pacific Northwest. The first section is an introduction to the poem, in which Hugo sets the scene and establishes the tone. He writes, “Dear Stanley, I’m writing from Seattle, / where the sky is gray and the air is damp / and the people are friendly in a distant sort of way.” This opening sets the stage for the rest of the poem, which is a celebration of the region’s beauty and complexity.
The second section of the poem is a description of the landscape. Hugo writes, “The mountains are always there, / looming in the distance like a promise / of something better.” This description captures the majesty of the Pacific Northwest, with its towering mountains and rugged coastline. Hugo’s use of metaphor is particularly effective here, as he compares the mountains to a promise of something better. This suggests that the landscape is not just beautiful, but also inspiring and uplifting.
The third section of the poem is a reflection on the people of the Pacific Northwest. Hugo writes, “The people here are different, too, / more reserved than in other parts of the country, / but also more genuine.” This description captures the unique character of the region’s inhabitants. The Pacific Northwest is known for its independent spirit and its commitment to environmentalism and social justice. Hugo’s description of the people reflects these values, suggesting that the region is not just beautiful, but also socially and politically progressive.
The final section of the poem is a reflection on the act of writing itself. Hugo writes, “I’m writing this letter to you / because I can’t help but write, / because the world is too beautiful / and too complex to keep to myself.” This final section is a reminder that poetry is not just a form of self-expression, but also a way of engaging with the world. Hugo’s love for the Pacific Northwest is not just a personal feeling, but also a political and social commitment.
Overall, “Letter to Kizer from Seattle” is a powerful poem that captures the essence of the Pacific Northwest. Hugo’s use of free verse allows him to experiment with form and structure, while his descriptions of the landscape, the people, and the act of writing itself are both beautiful and insightful. The poem is a testament to Hugo’s love for the region, and it is a reminder that poetry can be a powerful tool for engaging with the world.
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