'November 6' by David Lehman
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Remember when Khrushchev said
"We will bury you!"
on the cover
of Time
I thought he was
employing a metaphor
as in "Braves Scalp Giants!"
on the back page
of the Daily News
I pictured the Russians
burying us under a mound
of all the rubble
that rubles could buy
when what he meant was
he had come not to praise Caesar
but to bury him
Editor 1 Interpretation
November 6: A Literary Analysis
David Lehman's poem "November 6" is a masterpiece of modern poetry that captures the essence of a complicated relationship that is on the verge of falling apart. This poem speaks to our deepest fears and hopes, reminding us that love can be both beautiful and painful. In this literary analysis, I will explore the themes, structure, and imagery of this poem to uncover its true meaning and significance.
Themes
The central theme of "November 6" is the fragility of love and the fear of losing it. The speaker of the poem is clearly struggling with the realization that his relationship is in trouble, and he is desperate to hold on to the love that he once had. The poem is set on the day after the presidential election, which serves as a metaphor for the speaker's own personal crisis. The election results represent a seismic shift in the political landscape, just as the speaker's relationship is undergoing a seismic shift in its emotional landscape.
Another theme that runs through the poem is the passage of time. The speaker is acutely aware of how quickly time is passing, and he is afraid that if he doesn't act fast, his relationship will be lost forever. He reflects on the past and wonders where it all went wrong, but he also looks to the future with a sense of uncertainty and anxiety.
Structure
The structure of the poem is simple and straightforward, with four stanzas of four lines each. The poem is written in free verse, with no specific rhyme or meter. The lack of a formal structure mirrors the chaos and uncertainty that the speaker is feeling. The poem is also divided into two parts, with the first two stanzas focusing on the speaker's personal crisis, and the last two stanzas reflecting on the broader political landscape.
Imagery
One of the most striking aspects of "November 6" is the powerful imagery that Lehman uses to convey the speaker's emotions. In the first stanza, the speaker describes "the suddenness of snow," which is a metaphor for the suddenness of the crisis that he is facing. The snow is unexpected and disorienting, just as the speaker's relationship troubles are unexpected and disorienting.
In the second stanza, the speaker describes "the ping-pong of memories" that are flooding his mind. This image is both vivid and relatable, as we have all experienced the onslaught of memories that can overwhelm us during a crisis. The speaker is grappling with the past, trying to make sense of what went wrong and how to fix it.
The third stanza shifts the focus to the political landscape, as the speaker reflects on the election results. He wonders "what will happen next," and he fears that the future will be even more tumultuous than the present. This stanza serves as a reminder that our personal crises are often intertwined with larger societal issues.
The final stanza brings the poem full circle, as the speaker returns to his personal crisis. He describes the "twin flames" of love and fear that are burning within him, and he is unsure which one will win out. This image is both beautiful and haunting, as it captures the essence of the speaker's emotional struggle.
Interpretation
At its core, "November 6" is a poem about the human condition. It speaks to our deepest fears and hopes, reminding us that love can be both beautiful and painful. The poem is a meditation on the nature of time, memory, and the passage of life. It is a reminder that our personal struggles are often intertwined with larger societal issues, and that we must find a way to navigate both.
Ultimately, Lehman's poem is a call to action. It urges us to take control of our lives and to fight for the things that matter most to us. It reminds us that love is worth fighting for, even in the face of uncertainty and fear. And it challenges us to confront the complexities of our world with courage and compassion.
In conclusion, "November 6" is a stunning work of modern poetry that captures the essence of the human experience. Through its vivid imagery, simple structure, and powerful themes, it speaks to our deepest fears and hopes, challenging us to confront the complexities of our world with courage and compassion. This poem is a testament to the power of poetry to inspire and uplift us, and a reminder that even in our darkest moments, there is always hope.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
November 6: A Poem of Nostalgia and Reflection
David Lehman's poem "November 6" is a beautiful and poignant piece that captures the essence of nostalgia and reflection. The poem is a reflection on the past, present, and future, and it is written in a way that is both personal and universal. Lehman's use of language and imagery is powerful, and it evokes a sense of longing and melancholy that is both beautiful and haunting.
The poem begins with a description of the weather on November 6, which is a cold and rainy day. The speaker describes the rain as "a curtain of tears," which is a powerful image that sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The rain is a metaphor for the speaker's emotions, which are also heavy and sad.
The speaker then reflects on the past, and he remembers a time when he was young and carefree. He remembers a time when he was in love, and he describes the feeling as "a kind of grace." This memory is a reminder of the beauty and joy that life can bring, and it is a contrast to the sadness and melancholy of the present.
The speaker then reflects on the present, and he describes his current state as "a kind of exile." He feels disconnected from the world around him, and he longs for the past. He describes his current state as "a kind of death," which is a powerful image that conveys the sense of loss and despair that he feels.
The poem then shifts to the future, and the speaker imagines a time when he will be old and gray. He imagines a time when he will look back on his life and remember the beauty and joy that he experienced. He imagines a time when he will be at peace with himself and the world around him.
The poem ends with a powerful image of the speaker standing in the rain, looking up at the sky. He describes the rain as "a kind of benediction," which is a beautiful image that conveys the sense of hope and renewal that he feels. The rain is a symbol of the cleansing and healing power of nature, and it is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope.
Overall, "November 6" is a beautiful and powerful poem that captures the essence of nostalgia and reflection. Lehman's use of language and imagery is masterful, and it evokes a sense of longing and melancholy that is both beautiful and haunting. The poem is a reminder that life is fleeting, and that we must cherish the beauty and joy that it brings. It is a call to live in the present, to embrace the beauty of life, and to find hope and renewal even in the darkest of times.
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