'The Light By The Barn' by William Stafford
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The light by the barn that shines all night
pales at dawn when a little breeze comes.
A little breeze comes breathing the fields
from their sleep and waking the slow windmill.
The slow windmill sings the long day
about anguish and loss to the chickens at work.
The little breeze follows the slow windmill
and the chickens at work till the sun goes down--
Then the light by the barn again.
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Light By The Barn: A Masterpiece of Subtle Imagery
If you're looking for a poem that captures the essence of rural life in post-World War II America, William Stafford's "The Light By The Barn" is a must-read. This deceptively simple poem, which describes a solitary light shining in the darkness, is a masterpiece of subtle imagery and evocative language.
The Setting: A World of Darkness and Silence
The poem begins with a description of a world that is shrouded in darkness and silence. The speaker tells us that "the light by the barn that shines all night" is the only source of illumination in an otherwise pitch-black world. The absence of sound is equally striking - there's no wind, no rustling of leaves, no movement of animals. The only thing the speaker can hear is "the scrape of shoes on a shovel of gravel" - a sound that only serves to emphasize the pervading sense of stillness.
The Light: A Beacon of Hope
Despite the overwhelming darkness and silence, the light by the barn represents a beacon of hope. It's a sign of life and activity in an otherwise dormant world. The speaker tells us that the light "draws the neighbors" and "shows the path from the road". It's a symbol of community and shared experiences - something that's particularly important in rural areas, where people often live far apart from one another.
The Barn: A Center of Activity
The barn itself is also an important symbol in the poem. It's a center of activity and a hub of industry. The speaker tells us that "the barn is the place for threshing grain or pulling a tooth" - two very different activities that nonetheless represent the range of work that takes place in this rural community. The barn is a place of hard work, but it's also a place of camaraderie and shared experiences.
The Imagery: Subtle and Powerful
What makes "The Light By The Barn" such a powerful poem is the way that Stafford uses imagery to evoke a sense of place and community. The poem is full of subtle, evocative descriptions that help to bring the setting to life. For example, the speaker tells us that the light "pours a gilt circle on the floor", conjuring up an image of a warm, inviting space. He also describes the light as "a little island of light", which emphasizes the isolation of this rural community.
The Theme: Community and Shared Experience
At its heart, "The Light By The Barn" is a poem about community and shared experience. The light represents a connection between the people who live in this rural area, and the barn is a symbol of the hard work and camaraderie that bring them together. The poem reminds us that even in the darkest, most remote places, there is still hope - and that human connection is what sustains us.
Conclusion: A Poem That Celebrates the Human Spirit
In conclusion, "The Light By The Barn" is a masterful poem that celebrates the human spirit. It's a reminder that even in the darkest times, there is still hope - and that the connections we make with one another are what sustain us. Stafford's subtle, evocative language and powerful imagery make this poem a must-read for anyone interested in the power of poetry to capture the human experience.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Light By The Barn: A Poem That Illuminates the Beauty of Life
William Stafford's poem, The Light By The Barn, is a masterpiece that captures the essence of life and the beauty that surrounds us. The poem is a celebration of the simple things in life, the things that we often take for granted. It is a reminder that life is full of wonder and magic, and that we should take the time to appreciate it.
The poem begins with a description of a light by the barn. The light is described as "a quiet light," which suggests that it is not a bright or flashy light, but rather a soft and gentle one. The light is also described as "a light in which anything could happen," which suggests that it is a light that holds the potential for magic and wonder.
The second stanza of the poem describes the surroundings of the light. The barn is described as "a place where you could find a real horse," which suggests that it is a place of authenticity and truth. The barn is also described as "a place where the real thing could happen to you," which suggests that it is a place of possibility and opportunity.
The third stanza of the poem describes the speaker's relationship with the light. The speaker says that he has been "looking at it for a long time," which suggests that the light has been a constant presence in his life. The speaker also says that he has "been thinking about it," which suggests that the light has been a source of inspiration and contemplation for him.
The fourth stanza of the poem describes the speaker's feelings about the light. The speaker says that the light "seems to mean a lot," which suggests that it holds a special significance for him. The speaker also says that the light "is the same soft colour of the pastels I love," which suggests that the light is associated with beauty and art.
The fifth stanza of the poem describes the speaker's thoughts about the light. The speaker says that the light "is strange," which suggests that it is not easily understood or explained. The speaker also says that the light "is a little like poetry," which suggests that it is a source of inspiration and creativity.
The sixth stanza of the poem describes the speaker's relationship with the barn. The speaker says that he has "always been afraid of it," which suggests that the barn is associated with fear and uncertainty. The speaker also says that he has "always felt that if I went in I would be lost and never come back out," which suggests that the barn is associated with danger and risk.
The seventh stanza of the poem describes the speaker's feelings about the barn. The speaker says that the barn "is where you go in at night," which suggests that it is a place of darkness and mystery. The speaker also says that the barn "is where you go to listen to the wind," which suggests that it is a place of solitude and contemplation.
The eighth stanza of the poem describes the speaker's thoughts about the barn. The speaker says that the barn "is where you go to feel the past," which suggests that it is a place of history and tradition. The speaker also says that the barn "is where you go to understand life and death," which suggests that it is a place of reflection and contemplation.
The final stanza of the poem brings together the themes of the light and the barn. The speaker says that the light "is shining on the barn," which suggests that the light is illuminating the darkness of the barn. The speaker also says that the light "is where the barn and I start to understand each other," which suggests that the light is a source of understanding and connection.
In conclusion, The Light By The Barn is a beautiful poem that celebrates the simple things in life and the beauty that surrounds us. It is a reminder that life is full of wonder and magic, and that we should take the time to appreciate it. The poem is a testament to the power of poetry to inspire and illuminate, and it is a testament to the power of the human spirit to find meaning and beauty in even the darkest of places.
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