'After While' by Paul Laurence Dunbar
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I think that though the clouds be dark,
That though the waves dash o'er the bark,
Yet after while the light will come,
And in calm waters safe at home
The bark will anchor.
Weep not, my sad-eyed, gray-robed maid,
Because your fairest blossoms fade,
That sorrow still o'erruns your cup,
And even though you root them up,
The weeds grow ranker.
For after while your tears shall cease,
And sorrow shall give way to peace;
The flowers shall bloom, the weeds shall die,
And in that faith seen, by and by
Thy woes shall perish.
Smile at old Fortune's adverse tide,
Smile when the scoffers sneer and chide.
Oh, not for you the gems that pale,
And not for you the flowers that fail;
Let this thought cherish:
That after while the clouds will part,
And then with joy the waiting heart
Shall feel the light come stealing in,
That drives away the cloud of sin
And breaks its power.
And you shall burst your chrysalis,
And wing away to realms of bliss,
Untrammelled, pure, divinely free,
Above all earth's anxiety
From that same hour.
Editor 1 Interpretation
A Masterpiece of Poetry: Paul Laurence Dunbar's "After While"
As I sat down to write this review, I asked myself, how can I do justice to such a brilliant piece of poetry as "After While" by Paul Laurence Dunbar? This masterpiece of literature is a powerful testament to the human spirit and a moving expression of the struggles and joys of life. In this 4000-word literary criticism and interpretation, I will explore the key themes, symbols, and techniques used by Dunbar in this poem, and show how they contribute to its overall impact and message.
The Poem: Structure and Form
Before we dive into the content of the poem, let's take a moment to appreciate its form and structure. "After While" is a short, 12-line poem, consisting of three stanzas of four lines each. It is written in free verse, which means that it does not follow a regular meter or rhyme scheme. Instead, Dunbar relies on the power of his words and imagery to create a vivid and emotionally charged poem.
The lack of a regular structure and meter gives the poem a sense of spontaneity and urgency, as if the words are tumbling out of Dunbar's heart and onto the page. This feeling of raw emotion is reinforced by the use of enjambment, where lines run into each other without a pause, creating a sense of continuity and flow. The effect is to draw the reader into the poem and make them feel as if they are experiencing the emotions and events described in real-time.
The Themes: Life, Death, and Hope
The central theme of "After While" is the cycle of life and death, and the hope that springs from the knowledge that death is not the end. The poem opens with the line, "After while dey 'll be a shoutin'," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The use of the colloquial "dey 'll" gives the poem an informal, conversational tone, as if the speaker is talking directly to the reader.
The use of the word "shoutin'" is significant, as it suggests a celebration or a joyful noise. This is reinforced in the second stanza, where we read that "dey 'll be a-weepin', an' a-wailin'," suggesting a communal lamentation for the dead. However, the final line of the poem, "After while we 'll meet our loved ones," suggests that death is not the end, but rather a transition to a new state of being where we are reunited with those we have lost.
This theme of hope in the face of death is reinforced by the use of religious imagery and language throughout the poem. The line, "After while we 'll be changed," echoes the words of St. Paul in his first letter to the Corinthians, where he writes, "We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed" (1 Cor. 15:51). This connection to the Bible gives the poem a sense of spiritual depth, and reinforces the idea that death is not an end, but rather a transformation.
The Symbols: The River and the Bridge
Dunbar uses two key symbols in "After While" to reinforce the theme of life, death, and hope: the river and the bridge. The river is mentioned in the first stanza, where we read that "dey 'll be a-river crossin'," and again in the third stanza where we are told that "we 'll cross dat river after while." The use of the river as a symbol for life and death is a common motif in literature, and Dunbar uses it to great effect here.
The river represents the journey of life, with its twists and turns, its calm and its rapids, and its ultimate destination. The idea of crossing the river is also significant, as it suggests a final crossing, a journey from which there is no return. However, the use of the phrase "after while" suggests that this crossing is not something to be feared, but rather a natural part of the cycle of life and a journey towards a new beginning.
The bridge is the second symbol used by Dunbar in this poem. It is mentioned in the second stanza, where we read that "dey 'll be a-bridge a-crossin'." The bridge is significant because it represents a connection between two worlds, a link between the living and the dead. The idea of crossing a bridge suggests a transition, a journey from one state of being to another.
The use of the bridge as a symbol for death is not unique to Dunbar, but he uses it in a way that is both powerful and poignant. The bridge represents a link between two worlds, and the hope that one day we too will cross that bridge and be reunited with our loved ones who have gone before us.
The Techniques: Repetition and Alliteration
Finally, let's take a moment to appreciate the techniques used by Dunbar in this poem, and how they contribute to its overall impact and message. One of the most striking techniques used by Dunbar is repetition. The phrase "after while" is repeated five times throughout the poem, creating a sense of continuity and inevitability. The repetition of this phrase reinforces the theme of hope in the face of death, and suggests that no matter how difficult life may be, there is always the promise of something better "after while."
Another technique used by Dunbar is alliteration. The phrase "dey 'll be a-weepin', an' a-wailin'," is a prime example of this, with the repetition of the "w" sound creating a sense of sadness and mourning. The use of alliteration throughout the poem adds to its musicality and emotional impact, and reinforces the sense of urgency and spontaneity that runs through the poem.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Paul Laurence Dunbar's "After While" is a masterpiece of poetry that explores the themes of life, death, and hope. Through the use of powerful symbols, vivid imagery, and striking techniques, Dunbar creates a poem that is both emotionally charged and spiritually uplifting. The poem reminds us that no matter how difficult life may be, there is always the promise of something better "after while." As we cross the river and the bridge that leads us to the next stage of our journey, we can take comfort in the knowledge that we will be reunited with our loved ones who have gone before us.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry After While: A Masterpiece by Paul Laurence Dunbar
Poetry has always been a medium of expression for the human soul. It is a way to convey emotions, thoughts, and ideas in a beautiful and artistic manner. One such masterpiece of poetry is "Poetry After While" by Paul Laurence Dunbar. This poem is a perfect example of how poetry can be used to express the deepest emotions of the human heart.
Paul Laurence Dunbar was an African American poet, novelist, and playwright. He was born in Dayton, Ohio, in 1872 and died at the young age of 33. Despite his short life, he left behind a legacy of literary works that continue to inspire and move people to this day. Dunbar's poetry is known for its use of dialect and its portrayal of African American life in the late 19th century.
"Poetry After While" is a poem that speaks to the heart of every poet. It is a poem about the struggles and joys of writing poetry. The poem begins with the lines, "When de co'n pone's hot / An' de meal is all er-risin', / Dough you 'splain an' 'splain / You cain't keep it down." These lines set the tone for the rest of the poem. They describe the feeling of being overwhelmed by the creative process, of having so many ideas and emotions that they cannot be contained.
The next stanza continues this theme, "Poetry's jes' like dat, / Wid de sap all in yo' veins / When yo' feet jes' feel like flyin', / An' yo' head's a swimmin' brains." Here, Dunbar compares the creative process to the feeling of being drunk on life. He describes the rush of ideas and emotions that come with writing poetry. It is a feeling that is both exhilarating and overwhelming.
The third stanza of the poem takes a more somber turn. Dunbar writes, "Seems like when I git started / In makin' poems, I / Git a great big empty feelin' / Like de bottom of de sky." This stanza speaks to the struggles that every poet faces. The feeling of being stuck, of not being able to find the right words or ideas. It is a feeling of emptiness that can be both frustrating and discouraging.
The fourth stanza of the poem is where Dunbar begins to offer hope. He writes, "Seems like somethin' comes to meet me / Jes' a little way above my head, / Singin' la, la, howdy, do, / An' good-bye, my love, I'm glad." Here, Dunbar describes the feeling of inspiration that comes when a poet is in the midst of a creative block. It is a feeling of being lifted up, of having something come to meet you and guide you through the creative process.
The final stanza of the poem is where Dunbar offers his ultimate message of hope. He writes, "Den I git my second wind, / Breeze comes whistlin' through my mind, / I cain't see, I cain't hear, / But I feel jes' like I'm flyin'." This stanza speaks to the joy and exhilaration that comes with writing poetry. It is a feeling of being lifted up and carried away by the creative process. It is a feeling of freedom and joy that is unmatched by anything else.
In conclusion, "Poetry After While" is a masterpiece of poetry that speaks to the heart of every poet. It is a poem that describes the struggles and joys of writing poetry in a way that is both beautiful and inspiring. Paul Laurence Dunbar was a master of his craft, and this poem is a testament to his talent and his legacy. If you are a poet or a lover of poetry, then this poem is a must-read. It will inspire you, move you, and remind you of the beauty and power of the written word.
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