'Examples (August 27)' by David Lehman
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The last Campbell's tomato soup can
of the twentieth century is going to
the Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh
That is an example of a sentence
Another is this from a CEO in Fortune
"You die in either case, but this way you get
to do it proactively," where the adverb
makes the sentence I'm walking amid
the tourists on Bleecker Street the riffraff
the students with backpacks the bums and
a good old-fashioned New York feeling
hits me from head to toe a misanthropic snarl
the urge to kick a stranger in the pants,
and if you don't smoke you feel as if you do
Editor 1 Interpretation
"Examples (August 27)" by David Lehman: A Poetic Exploration of Life's Complexities
David Lehman's "Examples (August 27)" is a thought-provoking poem that delves into the complexities of life with an unflinching gaze. Through vivid imagery and powerful metaphors, Lehman offers a unique perspective on the human experience, inviting readers to reflect on the mysteries and contradictions that define our existence.
At first glance, "Examples (August 27)" seems like a series of disconnected images and ideas. The poem starts with a description of a "woman in a red dress," then jumps to a "man with a cane" and a "boy with a ball." From there, the poem takes us on a journey through different scenes and scenarios, ranging from the mundane to the surreal.
But as one reads on, it becomes clear that these seemingly random fragments are all connected by a common thread: the idea of examples. Each stanza presents a different example of something, whether it's a person, a place, or a feeling. And as Lehman explores each example in turn, he reveals something deeper about the human experience.
One of the most striking examples in the poem is the image of the "woman in a red dress." At first, she seems like a simple object of desire, a symbol of beauty and sensuality. But as Lehman describes her more closely, we begin to see her as a complex, multifaceted person with her own thoughts and feelings:
"She is passing through the park on her way to work or to meet a friend and the sunlight falls on her face and the wind flutters the red hem of her dress and for a moment she is transcendental and you catch your breath and you feel that anything is possible."
Here, Lehman takes a familiar trope – the beautiful woman – and turns it on its head. Instead of objectifying her, he humanizes her, making us see her as a real person with her own agency and purpose. By doing so, he reminds us that even the most seemingly simple examples can reveal hidden depths if we take the time to look closely.
Another example that stands out is the "man with a cane." Here, Lehman describes a person who is vulnerable and in need of help, but who refuses to ask for it:
"He is old and unsteady and he could use a hand or a kind word but he is too proud or too stubborn to accept your assistance and he walks on alone, dragging his cane behind him like a dead weight."
This example is powerful because it speaks to something universal: the fear of appearing weak or helpless. We all, at some point in our lives, have struggled with asking for help or admitting our vulnerabilities. By presenting this example, Lehman invites us to confront these fears and to recognize that there is strength in vulnerability.
Throughout the poem, Lehman uses vivid sensory details to bring his examples to life. He describes the "boy with a ball" as "running with all his might / as if his life depended on it," and the "clouds that hang over the town" as "menacing and dark, like a storm about to break." These descriptions create a sense of immediacy and urgency, making the examples feel real and tangible.
But what makes "Examples (August 27)" truly remarkable is the way that Lehman uses these examples to explore larger themes and ideas. Through his precise use of language and imagery, he touches on topics such as love, loss, aging, and mortality. And yet, despite the weighty subject matter, the poem never feels heavy-handed or didactic. Instead, Lehman allows the examples to speak for themselves, trusting his readers to draw their own conclusions.
In the end, "Examples (August 27)" is a poem about the beauty and complexity of life. It reminds us that even the most ordinary moments can be infused with meaning and significance if we take the time to appreciate them. And it challenges us to embrace the contradictions and paradoxes that make us human, to recognize that life is messy and imperfect and that's okay.
As I read through "Examples (August 27)," I found myself drawn in by Lehman's vivid imagery and poetic sensibility. I was struck by the way he was able to capture the essence of the human experience in just a few words, and by the way he used seemingly disparate examples to create a coherent whole. And most of all, I was moved by the way he celebrated the messiness and complexity of life, reminding us that even in the darkest moments, there is always beauty to be found.
So if you're looking for a poem that will challenge you, inspire you, and make you see the world in a new way, look no further than "Examples (August 27)." This is a work of art that will stay with you long after you've finished reading, a testament to the power of poetry to help us make sense of our lives.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
David Lehman’s poem “Examples (August 27)” is a classic piece of literature that has stood the test of time. The poem is a beautiful and thought-provoking piece that explores the complexities of human life and the many different ways in which we experience the world around us. In this analysis, we will take a closer look at the poem and explore its themes, structure, and language.
The poem is divided into three stanzas, each of which explores a different aspect of human experience. The first stanza focuses on the idea of memory and how it shapes our understanding of the world. Lehman writes, “Memory is a kind of accomplishment / a sort of renewal even / an initiation into the sacred / mysteries of history and time.” Here, Lehman is suggesting that memory is not just a passive process, but an active one that allows us to connect with the past and understand our place in the world.
The second stanza of the poem explores the idea of love and how it can transform us. Lehman writes, “Love is not a profession / genteel or otherwise / sex is not dentistry / the slick filling of aches and cavities.” Here, Lehman is suggesting that love is not just a physical act, but a transformative one that can change the way we see ourselves and the world around us.
The final stanza of the poem explores the idea of death and how it shapes our understanding of life. Lehman writes, “Death is not a secret / kept from us until the end / but a way of life / defined by living.” Here, Lehman is suggesting that death is not something to be feared or avoided, but something that is an integral part of life and that can help us to appreciate the time we have.
One of the most striking things about Lehman’s poem is its use of language. The poem is full of vivid and evocative imagery that helps to bring the themes to life. For example, in the first stanza, Lehman writes, “Memory is a kind of accomplishment / a sort of renewal even / an initiation into the sacred / mysteries of history and time.” Here, the use of words like “sacred” and “mysteries” helps to create a sense of wonder and awe around the idea of memory.
Similarly, in the second stanza, Lehman writes, “Love is not a profession / genteel or otherwise / sex is not dentistry / the slick filling of aches and cavities.” Here, the use of words like “genteel” and “dentistry” helps to create a sense of contrast between the idea of love as a transformative force and the more mundane aspects of physical intimacy.
Finally, in the third stanza, Lehman writes, “Death is not a secret / kept from us until the end / but a way of life / defined by living.” Here, the use of words like “secret” and “defined” helps to create a sense of clarity and understanding around the idea of death.
Overall, Lehman’s poem “Examples (August 27)” is a beautiful and thought-provoking piece of literature that explores some of the most fundamental aspects of human experience. Through its use of vivid imagery and evocative language, the poem helps to bring these themes to life and encourages us to think more deeply about the world around us. Whether you are a seasoned poetry lover or a newcomer to the genre, this poem is sure to leave a lasting impression.
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