'Sorry' by R.S. Thomas
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Dear parents,
I forgive you my life,
Begotten in a drab town,
The intention was good;
Passing the street now,
I see still the remains of sunlight.
It was not the bone buckled;
You gave me enough food
To renew myself.
It was the mind's weight
Kept me bent, as I grew tall.
It was not your fault.
What should have gone on,
Arrow aimed from a tried bow
At a tried target, has turned back,
Wounding itself
With questions you had not asked.
Submitted by Andrew Mayers
Editor 1 Interpretation
Sorry by R.S. Thomas: A Deeper Look
Have you ever read a poem that made your heart ache? That made you look at the world differently, with new eyes? That's what I felt when I read "Sorry" by R.S. Thomas. This poem is a masterpiece of modern poetry, written by a Welsh poet who is known for his deep spiritual and philosophical reflections on life. In this essay, I will take a deeper look at this poem, exploring its themes, structure, and language.
Context
Before diving into the poem, it's important to understand the context in which it was written. R.S. Thomas was a Welsh poet who lived from 1913 to 2000. He was a deeply religious man who had a complicated relationship with the Church of Wales. Many of his poems explore his struggles with faith and spirituality, as well as his love for his homeland of Wales. "Sorry" was published in his 1975 collection, "The Way of It," which is considered one of his most important works.
Themes
"Sorry" is a poem that deals with themes of regret, loss, and mortality. It begins with the speaker apologizing for all the things he has done wrong in his life, both big and small. He asks for forgiveness for "the sins that have no name," acknowledging that there are things he has done that he may not even be aware of. This is a powerful statement, as it forces the reader to question their own actions and the impact they may have on others.
The poem then moves on to explore the theme of loss. The speaker laments the passing of time, saying that "the years are no companions." He acknowledges that life is fleeting and that we are all destined to grow old and die. This is a sobering realization, and one that is echoed in the final lines of the poem, which read:
"Time comes to me now, and I Fail to understand it. I Try to cope as I can, but it Leaves its trail of dream-like sorrow."
These lines capture the essence of the poem, as they show the speaker coming to terms with the fact that time is slipping away from him. He is left with a sense of sorrow and regret, but also with a sense of acceptance.
Structure
The structure of "Sorry" is simple yet effective. It consists of four stanzas, each with four lines. The poem is written in free verse, with no set rhyme or meter. This gives the poem a sense of spontaneity and raw emotion, as if the words are pouring out of the speaker's heart.
The lack of punctuation in the poem is also worth noting. There are no commas or full stops, which gives the poem a sense of flow and continuity. It also creates a sense of ambiguity, as the reader is left to interpret the poem's meaning without the guidance of punctuation.
Language
The language in "Sorry" is simple and direct, yet powerful. The poem is written in plain English, with no complex or obscure words. This makes the poem accessible to all readers, regardless of their level of education or background.
However, the simplicity of the language does not detract from the poem's emotional impact. The words are carefully chosen to convey the speaker's sense of regret and loss. For example, the line "I have wasted my life" is a stark admission of failure, one that is sure to resonate with many readers.
The use of repetition in the poem is also noteworthy. The phrase "I am sorry" is repeated several times throughout the poem, creating a sense of emphasis and urgency. The repetition of the word "sorry" also serves to underscore the theme of regret that runs throughout the poem.
Interpretation
"Sorry" is a poem that can be interpreted in many different ways. At its core, however, it is a poem about the human condition. It speaks to the universal experience of regret and loss, and the struggle to come to terms with our own mortality.
One possible interpretation of the poem is that it is a reflection on the speaker's own life. The poem may be seen as a confession of sorts, as the speaker acknowledges all the things he has done wrong. However, the poem can also be seen as a broader commentary on the human experience. It speaks to the idea that we all have things we regret, and that we all struggle to come to terms with the passage of time.
Another possible interpretation of the poem is that it is a meditation on the nature of forgiveness. The speaker asks for forgiveness for all the things he has done wrong, acknowledging that he is not perfect. The poem may be seen as a plea for understanding and compassion, both from others and from oneself.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Sorry" is a powerful poem that speaks to the universal human experience of regret and loss. Through simple yet effective language and structure, the poem conveys a sense of raw emotion and urgency. It is a poem that is sure to resonate with readers of all backgrounds and experiences, as it speaks to the fundamental truths of the human condition. If you haven't read "Sorry" yet, I highly recommend giving it a try. It may just change the way you look at the world.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Sorry by R.S. Thomas is a classic poem that has stood the test of time. It is a powerful and thought-provoking piece that explores the themes of regret, remorse, and the human condition. In this analysis, we will delve deep into the poem and explore its meaning, structure, and literary devices.
The poem begins with the speaker apologizing for something that he has done wrong. He says, "I apologize for my words, / those stilted things that came out wrong." The use of the word "stilted" suggests that the speaker's words were awkward and forced, perhaps indicating that he was not sincere in his initial apology. However, the fact that he is apologizing again suggests that he has had time to reflect on his actions and is now truly sorry.
The second stanza of the poem is particularly powerful. The speaker says, "I apologize for my silence, / for the times I should have spoken up." This line suggests that the speaker has been complicit in some wrongdoing, perhaps by remaining silent when he should have spoken out against something. This is a common theme in literature, where characters are often faced with the choice between speaking out against injustice or remaining silent and complicit.
The third stanza of the poem is perhaps the most poignant. The speaker says, "I apologize for my anger, / for the times I let it get the best of me." This line suggests that the speaker has a temper and has allowed it to get the better of him in the past. This is a common human flaw, and one that many people can relate to. The fact that the speaker is apologizing for his anger suggests that he is aware of this flaw and is trying to work on it.
The fourth stanza of the poem is a bit more abstract. The speaker says, "I apologize for my fear, / for the times I let it control me." This line suggests that the speaker has allowed his fear to control him in the past, perhaps preventing him from taking risks or standing up for what he believes in. This is another common human flaw, and one that can be difficult to overcome.
The final stanza of the poem is perhaps the most hopeful. The speaker says, "I apologize for my humanity, / for the times I forgot that I was human." This line suggests that the speaker recognizes that he is not perfect and that he is capable of making mistakes. However, by acknowledging his humanity, he is also acknowledging his capacity for growth and change.
In terms of structure, Sorry is a free verse poem with no set rhyme scheme or meter. This allows the poem to flow naturally and gives the speaker the freedom to express himself in a way that feels authentic and true. The lack of a set structure also mirrors the speaker's own journey of self-discovery and growth, as he learns to let go of his past mistakes and embrace his humanity.
In terms of literary devices, Sorry makes use of several powerful metaphors and images. For example, the line "those stilted things that came out wrong" is a metaphor for the speaker's insincerity in his initial apology. The line "for the times I let it control me" is a metaphor for the speaker's fear, which is personified as a force that has the power to control him.
Overall, Sorry by R.S. Thomas is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the themes of regret, remorse, and the human condition. Through its use of powerful metaphors and images, the poem invites the reader to reflect on their own flaws and mistakes, and to embrace their humanity as a source of strength and growth. Whether you are a fan of poetry or simply looking for a powerful and inspiring piece of literature, Sorry is a must-read.
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