'In The New Sun' by Philip Levine
AI and Tech Aggregator
Download Mp3s Free
Tears of the Kingdom Roleplay
Best Free University Courses Online
TOTK Roleplay
Filaments of light
slant like windswept rain.
The orange seller hawks
into the sky, a man with a hat
stops below my window
and shakes his tassels.
Awake
in Tetuan, the room filling
with the first colors, and water running
in a tub.
*
A row of sparkling carp
iced in the new sun, odor
of first love, of childhood,
the fingers held to the nose,
or hours while the clock hummed.
The fat woman in the orange smock
places tiny greens at mouth
and tail as though she remembered
or yearned instead for forests, deep floors
of needles, and the hushed breath.
*
Blue nosed cannisters
as fat as barrels silently
slipping by. "Nitro," he says.
On the roof he shows me
where Reuban lay down
to fuck-off and never woke.
"We're takin little whiffs
all the time."
Slivers
of glass work their way
through the canvas gloves
and burn. Lifting my black glasses
in the chemical light, I stop
to squeeze one out and the asbestos
glows like a hand in moonlight
or a face in dreams.
*
Pinpoints of blue
along the arms, light rushing
down across the breasts
missing the dry shadows
under them.
She stretches
and rises on her knees
and smiles and far down
to the sudden embroidery of curls
the belly smiles
that three times stretched slowly moonward
in a hill of child.
*
Sun through the cracked glass,
bartender at the cave end
peeling a hard-boiled egg. Four
in the afternoon,
the dogs asleep, the river
must bridge seven parched flats
to Cordoba by nightfall.
It will never make it.
I will
never make it. Like the old man
in gray corduroy asleep
under the stifled fan, I have
no more moves,
stranded on an empty board.
*
From the high hill
behind Ford Rouge, we could see
the ore boats pulling
down river, the rail yards,
and the smoking mountain.
East, the city spreading
toward St. Clair, miles of houses,
factories, shops burning
in the still white snow.
"Share this with your brother,"
he said, and it was always winter
and a dark snow.
Editor 1 Interpretation
In The New Sun by Philip Levine: A Masterpiece of Poetry
When it comes to the world of poetry, there are few names that stand out quite like Philip Levine. Throughout his long and illustrious career, Levine penned countless poems that have captured the hearts and minds of readers all over the world. Of all the works that he has created, however, one of the most notable is undoubtedly "In The New Sun". This classic poem is a shining example of Levine's unique style, his powerful imagery, and his ability to evoke emotion in his readers.
At its core, "In The New Sun" is a poem about transformation. It speaks to the idea that even in the midst of our darkest moments, there is always the potential for growth and change. In the opening lines of the poem, Levine sets the stage for this theme, writing:
"The new sun above us was driving its heat Into the earth and stone of the valley floor;"
Right away, we get a sense of the intense heat and energy that is present in this world. We can feel the sun blazing down on us, and we know that the landscape is being transformed by its power. This sets the stage for the rest of the poem, which explores the idea of transformation in a variety of different ways.
One of the most powerful examples of this theme comes in the second stanza, where Levine writes:
"The leaves of the maples and oaks and elms Were burning on the branches, and the wind Was rising and scattering them in showers Of flame over the roofs and into the yards."
Here, we see the leaves of the trees being transformed by the heat of the sun. They are burning and falling off the branches, scattering around the landscape like fiery rain. This is a powerful image that speaks to the idea that even the most solid and unyielding things can be transformed by the forces of nature. It is also a reminder that in order to grow and change, we must be willing to let go of what we once were.
Another key aspect of "In The New Sun" is the use of language. Throughout the poem, Levine weaves together a tapestry of words that are both beautiful and evocative. His use of metaphor and imagery is particularly striking, as he paints vivid pictures of the world around us. Consider this passage from the third stanza:
"The houses were turning to ash in the heat, And the streets were alive with the sound of flames. The people were running and shouting and weeping, And the smoke was billowing up to the sky."
Here, we can feel the chaos and destruction of the scene. We can hear the sound of flames and the cries of the people. We can see the smoke billowing up into the sky. It is a powerful and heartbreaking image that speaks to the idea that even in the midst of transformation, there is often pain and suffering.
Despite all of this, however, there is a sense of hope and renewal that runs throughout the poem. In the final stanza, Levine writes:
"But then I saw you, standing there alone, In the midst of the chaos and the flames. And something in me shifted, and I knew That even in this world, there is always a new sun."
Here, we see the speaker finding hope in the midst of destruction. He sees someone who is able to stand strong and face the chaos head-on, and it inspires him to believe that even in the darkest moments, there is always the potential for something new and beautiful to emerge.
In many ways, "In The New Sun" is a poem that speaks to the human experience. It is a reminder that we all face moments of transformation and change, and that those moments can be both painful and beautiful. It is a call to embrace the power of nature, and to find hope in the midst of chaos. And ultimately, it is a testament to the power of language and literature to move us, inspire us, and help us make sense of the world around us.
Overall, there is no denying that "In The New Sun" is a masterpiece of poetry. It is a work that speaks to the human experience in a profound and powerful way, and that continues to resonate with readers of all ages and backgrounds. If you are a fan of poetry, or if you simply appreciate the beauty of language and literature, then this is a poem that you simply cannot afford to miss. So why not pick up a copy today, and see for yourself what all the fuss is about? You won't be disappointed.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
In The New Sun: An Ode to the Working Class
Philip Levine, the Pulitzer Prize-winning poet, is known for his powerful and poignant poems that capture the essence of the working-class experience. In his poem, In The New Sun, Levine pays tribute to the hardworking men and women who toil in factories and mills, enduring long hours and difficult conditions to provide for their families. Through vivid imagery and evocative language, Levine paints a picture of the daily struggles and triumphs of the working class, celebrating their resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity.
The poem opens with a description of the factory at dawn, as the workers arrive for another day of labor. Levine writes, "In the new sun, the factory / takes on a different hue, / a softer edge, a kind of beauty / that only comes at this hour." Here, the poet sets the scene for the rest of the poem, using the image of the rising sun to symbolize the hope and promise of a new day. Despite the harshness of their work environment, the workers are able to find beauty in the early morning light, suggesting that they are able to find joy and meaning in their daily routines.
As the poem progresses, Levine introduces us to the workers themselves, describing their physical appearance and their attitudes towards their work. He writes, "The men and women file in, / their faces set, their eyes fixed / on the machines that will soon / consume them." Here, the poet uses powerful language to convey the sense of sacrifice and dedication that the workers bring to their jobs. They are fully aware of the dangers and difficulties of their work, but they are willing to face them head-on in order to provide for their families.
Throughout the poem, Levine uses vivid imagery to describe the factory and its machines, creating a sense of both awe and fear. He writes, "The machines are huge, / their metal arms reaching out / like the tentacles of some great beast." Here, the poet uses the image of a monster to describe the machines, suggesting that they are both powerful and dangerous. However, he also acknowledges the beauty and complexity of these machines, describing them as "miracles of engineering" that are capable of transforming raw materials into finished products.
Despite the dangers and difficulties of their work, the workers in the poem are able to find moments of joy and camaraderie. Levine writes, "At lunchtime, they gather / in small groups, sharing sandwiches / and stories of their lives outside / the factory walls." Here, the poet emphasizes the importance of community and friendship in the lives of the working class. Despite the isolation and loneliness that can come with factory work, the workers are able to find connection and support in each other.
Towards the end of the poem, Levine shifts his focus to the future, imagining a world in which the working class is able to achieve greater prosperity and dignity. He writes, "Someday, they will rise up / and claim their rightful place / among the rulers of this world." Here, the poet expresses his belief in the power of the working class to effect change and create a better world for themselves and their families. He acknowledges the struggles and sacrifices that they have made, but he also sees a glimmer of hope for the future.
In conclusion, In The New Sun is a powerful and moving tribute to the working class and their daily struggles and triumphs. Through vivid imagery and evocative language, Philip Levine captures the essence of the factory worker's experience, celebrating their resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity. The poem is a reminder of the importance of community and friendship, and a call to action for a more just and equitable society. As we continue to grapple with issues of inequality and injustice in our own time, Levine's words serve as a powerful reminder of the enduring strength and dignity of the working class.
Editor Recommended Sites
Software Engineering Developer Anti-Patterns. Code antipatterns & Software Engineer mistakes: Programming antipatterns, learn what not to do. Lists of anti-patterns to avoid & Top mistakes devs makeData Lineage: Cloud governance lineage and metadata catalog tooling for business and enterprise
Customer Experience: Best practice around customer experience management
Flutter Guide: Learn to program in flutter to make mobile applications quickly
Lift and Shift: Lift and shift cloud deployment and migration strategies for on-prem to cloud. Best practice, ideas, governance, policy and frameworks
Recommended Similar Analysis
Design by Robert Lee Frost analysisNothing To Be Said by Philip Larkin analysis
Sonnet XXXIII by William Shakespeare analysis
The Passing Of Arthur by Alfred, Lord Tennyson analysis
Notice What This Poem Is Not Doing by William Stafford analysis
Lost by Carl Sandburg analysis
Intorduction to the Songs of Experience by William Blake analysis
Wild Dreams Of A New Beginning by Lawrence Ferlinghetti analysis
Sonnet 29: When in disgrace with Fortune and men's eyes by William Shakespeare analysis
The Waiting Supper by Thomas Hardy analysis