'The Charm Of 5:30' by David Berman
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It's too nice a day to read a novel set in England.
We're within inches of the perfect distance from the sun,
the sky is blueberries and cream,
and the wind is as warm as air from a tire.
Even the headstones in the graveyard
Seem to stand up and say "Hello! My name is..."
It's enough to be sitting here on my porch,
thinking about Kermit Roosevelt,
following the course of an ant,
or walking out into the yard with a cordless phone
to find out she is going to be there tonight
On a day like today, what looks like bad news in the distance
turns out to be something on my contact, carports and white
courtesy phones are spontaneously reappreciated
and random "okay"s ring through the backyards.
This morning I discovered the red tints in cola
when I held a glass of it up to the light
and found an expensive flashlight in the pocket of a winter coat
I was packing away for summer.
It all reminds me of that moment when you take off your sunglasses
after a long drive and realize it's earlier
and lighter out than you had accounted for.
You know what I'm talking about,
and that's the kind of fellowship that's taking place in town, out in
the public spaces. You won't overhear anyone using the words
"dramaturgy" or "state inspection today. We're too busy getting along.
It occurs to me that the laws are in the regions and the regions are
in the laws, and it feels good to say this, something that I'm almost
sure is true, outside under the sun.
Then to say it again, around friends, in the resonant voice of a
nineteenth-century senator, just for a lark.
There's a shy looking fellow on the courthouse steps, holding up a
placard that says "But, I kinda liked Reagan." His head turns slowly
as a beautiful girl walks by, holding a refrigerated bottle up against
her flushed cheek.
She smiles at me and I allow myself to imagine her walking into
town to buy lotion at a brick pharmacy.
When she gets home she'll apply it with great lingering care before
moving into her parlor to play 78 records and drink gin-and-tonics
beside her homemade altar to James Madison.
In a town of this size, it's certainly possible that I'll be invited over
one night.
In fact I'll bet you something.
Somewhere in the future I am remembering today. I'll bet you
I'm remembering how I walked into the park at five thirty,
my favorite time of day, and how I found two cold pitchers
of just poured beer, sitting there on the bench.
I am remembering how my friend Chip showed up
with a catcher's mask hanging from his belt and how I said
great to see you, sit down, have a beer, how are you,
and how he turned to me with the sunset reflecting off his contacts
and said, wonderful, how are you.
Submitted by sallack
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Charm Of 5:30: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
David Berman's "The Charm Of 5:30" is a poem that captures the magic of a particular time of day, the space where the day transitions into night. It is a poem that speaks of the beauty of everyday life, and the moments that make life worth living.
Understanding the Poem
At first glance, "The Charm Of 5:30" seems like a simple poem, with a straightforward message. However, as one delves deeper into the poem, one realizes that there is much more to it than meets the eye.
The poem begins with the speaker observing a man walking his dog at 5:30 PM. The speaker notes that the man and his dog appear to be happy and content, and that the man is "smiling at a job well done." This observation sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is essentially an ode to the small pleasures of life.
As the poem progresses, the speaker describes the various things that make 5:30 PM such a magical time. He speaks of "the light that hovers over the street / like a golden retriever wanting to be scratched," and of "the low sun, the crisp air, / the long shadows of the trees." These descriptions are vivid and evocative, and they paint a picture of a beautiful, enchanting time of day.
The speaker goes on to describe the various people and objects that he sees at 5:30 PM - a woman walking her dog, a boy riding his bike, a man washing his car. Each of these people is described in detail, and each is shown to be content and happy in their own way.
The poem ends with the speaker reflecting on the beauty of life, and the small moments that make it worth living. He says, "I'm glad I'm alive, I'm glad I'm alive." This final line is a powerful statement, and it serves to underline the message of the poem - that life is beautiful, and that even the smallest things can bring joy and happiness.
Themes and Motifs
There are several themes and motifs that run throughout "The Charm Of 5:30." One of the most prominent themes is the beauty of everyday life. The poem is essentially an ode to the small pleasures of life, and it celebrates the things that make life worth living.
Another theme that runs through the poem is the idea of contentment. The people and objects that the speaker describes are all shown to be content and happy in their own way. This serves to emphasize the idea that happiness can be found in even the smallest of things.
The motif of light is also important in the poem. The speaker notes the way that the light hovers over the street at 5:30 PM, and describes it as being like a golden retriever wanting to be scratched. This description is both beautiful and evocative, and it serves to reinforce the idea that 5:30 PM is a magical time of day.
Interpretation
One interpretation of "The Charm Of 5:30" is that it is a celebration of mindfulness. The speaker is acutely aware of his surroundings, and he takes pleasure in the small things that he observes. This focus on the present moment is a hallmark of mindfulness, and it is something that can bring great joy and contentment to a person's life.
Another interpretation of the poem is that it is a call to appreciate the beauty of everyday life. The speaker notes the small things that make 5:30 PM such a magical time, and he celebrates the people and objects that he observes. This celebration of the everyday is an important reminder that happiness can be found in even the most mundane of activities.
Literary Devices
The language and imagery used in "The Charm Of 5:30" are both powerful and evocative. Berman employs several literary devices in the poem, including metaphor, simile, and personification.
One of the most striking metaphors in the poem is the comparison between the light at 5:30 PM and a golden retriever wanting to be scratched. This metaphor serves to create a vivid image in the reader's mind, and it reinforces the idea that 5:30 PM is a magical time of day.
There are also several instances of personification in the poem. For example, the speaker notes that the light "hovers over the street," and that it "peers through the leaves of the trees." These personifications serve to create a sense of intimacy between the reader and the world that the speaker is describing.
Conclusion
"The Charm Of 5:30" is a beautiful and evocative poem that celebrates the small pleasures of life. It is a reminder that happiness can be found in even the most mundane of activities, and that the present moment is a precious thing to be savored. Berman's use of language and imagery is both powerful and evocative, and it serves to create a vivid and memorable portrait of a magical time of day.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Charm of 5:30: A Timeless Poem by David Berman
David Berman's poem, The Charm of 5:30, is a timeless piece of literature that captures the essence of a moment in time. The poem is a beautiful ode to the magic of the early morning hours, and it speaks to the power of nature and the beauty of the world around us. In this analysis, we will explore the themes and imagery of the poem, as well as its structure and style.
The poem begins with a simple statement: "The charm of 5:30." This opening line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is filled with a sense of wonder and awe. Berman immediately draws the reader in with his use of language, which is both poetic and accessible. He describes the world around him in vivid detail, painting a picture of a world that is alive and vibrant.
One of the most striking things about The Charm of 5:30 is the way that Berman uses imagery to convey his message. He describes the sky as "a perfect shade of blue," and the sun as "a glowing orange ball." These descriptions are simple, yet powerful, and they help to create a sense of atmosphere that is both peaceful and awe-inspiring.
Berman also uses imagery to explore the theme of nature and its power. He describes the trees as "majestic," and the birds as "singing their morning songs." These descriptions help to create a sense of harmony between the natural world and the human world, and they remind us of the beauty and power of nature.
Another important theme in The Charm of 5:30 is the idea of time and its passing. Berman describes the early morning hours as a time when "the world is still asleep," and he speaks of the "quietness of the morning." These descriptions create a sense of stillness and peace, but they also remind us that time is passing and that the world is constantly changing.
Berman's use of structure and style is also worth noting. The poem is written in free verse, which allows Berman to experiment with language and form. He uses repetition to create a sense of rhythm and momentum, and he also uses enjambment to create a sense of flow and movement.
Overall, The Charm of 5:30 is a beautiful and timeless poem that speaks to the power and beauty of the natural world. Berman's use of language and imagery is masterful, and his exploration of themes such as nature, time, and the passing of the seasons is both poignant and thought-provoking. This poem is a true masterpiece of modern literature, and it is sure to inspire and delight readers for generations to come.
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