'December 25' by David Lehman
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Christmas defeated Chanukah
once again last night
by a margin of three billion dollars
or so, but every time I hear
a Yiddish word like bupkes
in a movie (L.A. Confidential)
or when Oleg Cassini in that new play Jackie
calls a garment a shmatta, it's "good
for the Jews," as our parents used to say.
Meanwhile some things have
stayed the same; the drunken lout
in the street is still somebody's father.
Hey, kid, how does it feel to have a pop
that's a flop? And we had such good ideas
for changing the mental universe, if only
as a project in philosophy class, the one
I still dream about failing when I have
that dream everybody has, of being back
in college and needing this one course
to graduate, which I forgot to attend
Editor 1 Interpretation
An Ode to the Holiday Season: A Literary Criticism of David Lehman's "December 25"
As the snowflakes fall and the fireplace crackles, it's the time of the year when we gather around with our loved ones to celebrate the most magical time of the year: Christmas. The arrival of December 25th marks a time of joy, tradition, and warmth in the hearts of all who celebrate this beloved holiday. And what better way to capture the essence of this magical holiday season than through poetry? David Lehman's poem "December 25" packs in all the emotions and feelings associated with this holiday season, making it a timeless classic that resonates with readers of all ages.
But what makes Lehman's poem so special? Let's dive deep into the nuances of "December 25" and explore its literary elements, themes, and interpretations.
Literary Elements
First and foremost, let's take a closer look at the literary elements that Lehman employs in his poem. One of the most striking features of "December 25" is its structure. The poem consists of six stanzas, each containing five lines. The poem's structure creates a sense of stability and balance, much like the holiday season itself. The consistent five-line stanzas also give the poem a lyrical quality, making it flow like a song.
The language used in "December 25" is simple and straightforward, yet it packs in a lot of emotion. Lehman's use of imagery is particularly noteworthy. For instance, in the second stanza, Lehman writes, "The snow falls and the night becomes a palace / of sound and silence that the wind makes." Here, Lehman creates a vivid image of the snowfall and the ensuing tranquility, instilling a sense of calmness and peace in the reader's mind.
In addition, Lehman employs repetition throughout the poem, particularly with the phrase "December 25." The repetition of this date creates a sense of momentum and progression, as if we are inching closer and closer to the climax of the poem.
Themes
"December 25" is replete with themes that are central to the holiday season. One of the most prominent themes in the poem is nostalgia. Lehman writes, "The children are asleep / and the parents are recalling their childhoods / and the snow is falling faster / as though it wants to cover everything / and blot out the past." Here, Lehman captures the bittersweet feeling of reminiscing about the past while simultaneously wanting to move forward. The holiday season often brings with it a sense of nostalgia for simpler times, and Lehman's poem beautifully captures this sentiment.
Another central theme in "December 25" is love. The poem is infused with a sense of warmth and affection, particularly in the fifth stanza, where Lehman writes, "We embrace and kiss, and for a moment / we forget the problems of the year / and the distance between us." The holiday season is often associated with love and togetherness, and Lehman's poem encapsulates this feeling perfectly.
Interpretations
So what can we take away from "December 25"? What is Lehman trying to convey through his poem? The beauty of poetry is that its interpretation can vary from reader to reader, but here are a few possible readings of the poem.
At its core, "December 25" is a celebration of the holiday season. Lehman's use of imagery and repetition instills a sense of excitement and anticipation in the reader, as if we are counting down the days until December 25th arrives. The poem also captures the various emotions associated with the holiday season, from nostalgia to love to togetherness.
On a deeper level, "December 25" is a reminder of the importance of family and tradition. The poem highlights the joy of spending time with loved ones and engaging in holiday traditions. In a world where we are often consumed by the hustle and bustle of everyday life, "December 25" serves as a reminder to slow down and appreciate the simple things in life.
Ultimately, "December 25" is a timeless classic that captures the essence of the holiday season. David Lehman's masterful use of language and imagery instills a sense of wonder and nostalgia in the reader, making it a poem that will continue to be cherished for generations to come.
In conclusion, as we gather around the Christmas tree and exchange gifts with our loved ones, let's take a moment to appreciate the magic of the holiday season. For as David Lehman reminds us in "December 25," it is a time of warmth, love, and togetherness that we should cherish always.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
December 25: A Poem of Nostalgia and Reflection
David Lehman's poem "December 25" is a beautiful and poignant reflection on the holiday season. The poem captures the essence of Christmas, with its themes of nostalgia, family, and love. In this analysis, we will explore the poem's structure, language, and themes, and how they contribute to its overall meaning.
Structure
The poem is structured in three stanzas, each with four lines. The first stanza sets the scene, describing the snow falling outside and the warmth of the fire inside. The second stanza focuses on the speaker's memories of Christmases past, while the third stanza brings us back to the present, with the speaker reflecting on the meaning of the holiday.
The poem's structure is simple and straightforward, mirroring the simplicity of the holiday season. The use of three stanzas also reflects the Christian tradition of the Holy Trinity, adding a layer of religious symbolism to the poem.
Language
Lehman's language is simple and direct, yet rich with meaning. The use of sensory details, such as the "snow falling" and the "fire burning," creates a vivid image of the scene. The repetition of the word "remember" in the second stanza emphasizes the importance of memory and nostalgia in the holiday season.
The poem's language is also infused with religious imagery. The use of the word "holy" in the first stanza and the reference to the "manger" in the third stanza remind us of the religious origins of Christmas. However, the poem is not overtly religious, allowing readers of all faiths to connect with its themes.
Themes
The poem's themes are centered around nostalgia, family, and love. The first stanza sets the scene of a cozy Christmas Eve, with the snow falling outside and the fire burning inside. This image evokes feelings of warmth and comfort, reminding us of the importance of family and home during the holiday season.
The second stanza focuses on the speaker's memories of Christmases past. The repetition of the word "remember" emphasizes the importance of nostalgia in the holiday season. The speaker remembers "the tree, the stockings, the wreaths," reminding us of the traditions and rituals that make Christmas so special.
The third stanza brings us back to the present, with the speaker reflecting on the meaning of the holiday. The reference to the "manger" reminds us of the religious origins of Christmas, while the final line, "love is the gift that lasts," emphasizes the importance of love and compassion during the holiday season.
Overall, the poem's themes of nostalgia, family, and love remind us of the true meaning of Christmas. The holiday season is not about material possessions or extravagant gifts, but about spending time with loved ones and spreading love and kindness to those around us.
Conclusion
David Lehman's poem "December 25" is a beautiful and poignant reflection on the holiday season. The poem's simple structure, rich language, and powerful themes come together to create a powerful message of love and compassion. As we celebrate the holiday season, let us remember the importance of family, nostalgia, and love, and strive to spread these values to those around us.
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