'It Is A Spring Afternoon' by Anne Sexton
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Everything here is yellow and green.
Listen to its throat, its earthskin,
the bone dry voices of the peepers
as they throb like advertisements.
The small animals of the woods
are carrying their deathmasks
into a narrow winter cave.
The scarecrow has plucked out
his two eyes like diamonds
and walked into the village.
The general and the postman
have taken off their packs.
This has all happened before
but nothing here is obsolete.
Everything here is possible.
Because of this
perhaps a young girl has laid down
her winter clothes and has casually
placed herself upon a tree limb
that hangs over a pool in the river.
She has been poured out onto the limb,
low above the houses of the fishes
as they swim in and out of her reflection
and up and down the stairs of her legs.
Her body carries clouds all the way home.
She is overlooking her watery face
in the river where blind men
come to bathe at midday.
Because of this
the ground, that winter nightmare,
has cured its sores and burst
with green birds and vitamins.
Because of this
the trees turn in their trenches
and hold up little rain cups
by their slender fingers.
Because of this
a woman stands by her stove
singing and cooking flowers.
Everything here is yellow and green.
Surely spring will allow
a girl without a stitch on
to turn softly in her sunlight
and not be afraid of her bed.
She has already counted seven
blossoms in her green green mirror.
Two rivers combine beneath her.
The face of the child wrinkles.
in the water and is gone forever.
The woman is all that can be seen
in her animal loveliness.
Her cherished and obstinate skin
lies deeply under the watery tree.
Everything is altogether possible
and the blind men can also see.
Submitted by Emily
Editor 1 Interpretation
It Is A Spring Afternoon: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Oh, what a joy it is to delve into the depths of Anne Sexton's poem, It Is A Spring Afternoon. This classic piece of literature is not only a beautiful ode to nature but also a reflection on the human condition. From the vivid imagery to the lyrical language, this poem is a masterpiece that deserves to be explored and celebrated.
Form and Structure
At first glance, It Is A Spring Afternoon appears to be a simple poem with no discernible form or structure. However, on closer inspection, we can see that Sexton has used a subtle pattern of repetition and variation to create a sense of unity and coherence.
The poem consists of three stanzas, each containing six lines. The first line of each stanza is an observation of nature, followed by a reflection on the human condition. The second line of each stanza is a variation of the first line, which creates a sense of continuity and connection between the stanzas. The third line of each stanza is a metaphor for the human condition, while the fourth line is a variation of the third line. The fifth line of each stanza is a reflection on the metaphor, and the sixth line is a variation of the first line.
This pattern of repetition and variation creates a sense of musicality and rhythm, which enhances the overall beauty and impact of the poem. The use of stanzas also helps to break the poem into digestible chunks, which makes it easier for the reader to follow and appreciate.
Imagery and Language
One of the most striking features of It Is A Spring Afternoon is the vivid and evocative imagery that Sexton employs. From the "soft green scents" of the first stanza to the "butterfly bones" of the second stanza, each line is filled with sensory details that bring the natural world to life. The use of color, smell, and texture creates a rich tapestry of images that is both captivating and immersive.
Sexton's language is also a thing of beauty. She uses words with precision and care, creating a lyrical and poetic tone that is both elegant and understated. The use of alliteration, assonance, and repetition adds to the musicality of the poem, while the careful use of enjambment and punctuation creates a sense of flow and movement.
Themes and Interpretation
At its core, It Is A Spring Afternoon is a meditation on the human condition and the relationship between humanity and the natural world. The poem acknowledges the beauty and wonder of nature while also recognizing the fragility and impermanence of human life.
The first stanza sets the tone for the poem, with its description of the "soft green scents" of spring. The reflection on the human condition that follows is a reminder that life is fleeting and that we must cherish every moment. The metaphor of the "new born calf" is a poignant one, as it reminds us that life is both beautiful and fragile.
The second stanza continues this theme, with its reference to the "butterfly bones" of a bird. The metaphor of the bird as a symbol of freedom and mobility is a powerful one, and the reflection on the metaphor reminds us that even the most beautiful and free things in life can be fragile and vulnerable.
The third stanza takes a slightly different turn, with its reflection on the "mossy stones" of a river. The metaphor of the river as a symbol of time and change is a common one, and Sexton uses it to remind us that life is a journey that is constantly moving forward. The reflection on the metaphor is a call to action, urging us to embrace life and make the most of every moment.
Conclusion
In conclusion, It Is A Spring Afternoon is a beautiful and thought-provoking poem that deserves to be read and appreciated by all. From its subtle structure to its evocative imagery and lyrical language, this poem is a testament to Anne Sexton's talent as a poet and her ability to capture the beauty and complexity of the human experience.
As we read and reflect on this poem, we are reminded of the fragility and impermanence of life, but also of its beauty and wonder. We are reminded to cherish every moment and to embrace life with open arms. And we are reminded that even in the midst of sorrow and uncertainty, there is always hope and beauty to be found in the natural world around us.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
It Is A Spring Afternoon: A Poem of Renewal and Rebirth
Anne Sexton's poem "It Is A Spring Afternoon" is a beautiful and powerful exploration of the themes of renewal and rebirth. Written in Sexton's signature confessional style, the poem captures the essence of springtime, with its sense of new beginnings and fresh starts.
At its core, "It Is A Spring Afternoon" is a celebration of life and the natural world. The poem begins with a vivid description of the spring landscape, with its "green grass" and "blue sky." Sexton's use of color and imagery creates a sense of vibrancy and energy, as if the world is bursting with life and possibility.
As the poem progresses, Sexton delves deeper into the themes of renewal and rebirth. She writes of "the buds on the trees" and "the flowers in the fields," all of which are symbols of new life and growth. The poem is filled with references to the natural world, from the "birds singing" to the "bees buzzing." Sexton's use of these images reinforces the idea that spring is a time of renewal and rebirth, both in nature and in our own lives.
One of the most striking aspects of "It Is A Spring Afternoon" is the way Sexton weaves her own personal experiences into the poem. She writes of "the child in the yard" and "the woman in the house," both of whom are clearly meant to represent Sexton herself. By doing so, Sexton creates a sense of intimacy and connection with the reader, inviting us to share in her own experiences of renewal and rebirth.
Throughout the poem, Sexton also explores the idea of time and the cyclical nature of life. She writes of "the wheel of the year" and "the seasons turning," reminding us that spring is just one part of a larger cycle of life and death. This sense of cyclical time is reinforced by the repetition of certain phrases and images throughout the poem, such as the "green grass" and "blue sky" that appear at the beginning and end of the poem.
Ultimately, "It Is A Spring Afternoon" is a poem about hope and the power of new beginnings. Sexton writes of "the sun shining" and "the world turning," reminding us that even in the darkest of times, there is always the possibility of renewal and rebirth. The poem is a celebration of life and the natural world, and a reminder that even in the face of adversity, there is always the hope of a new beginning.
In conclusion, Anne Sexton's "It Is A Spring Afternoon" is a beautiful and powerful poem that captures the essence of springtime and the themes of renewal and rebirth. Through her use of vivid imagery, personal experience, and cyclical time, Sexton creates a sense of intimacy and connection with the reader, inviting us to share in her own experiences of hope and new beginnings. As we move through the seasons of our own lives, we can take comfort in the knowledge that even in the darkest of times, there is always the possibility of renewal and rebirth.
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