'Air' by W.S. Merwin
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Naturally it is night.
Under the overturned lute with its
One string I am going my way
Which has a strange sound.
This way the dust, that way the dust.
I listen to both sides
But I keep right on.
I remember the leaves sitting in judgment
And then winter.
I remember the rain with its bundle of roads.
The rain taking all its roads.
Nowhere.
Young as I am, old as I am,
I forget tomorrow, the blind man.
I forget the life among the buried windows.
The eyes in the curtains.
The wall
Growing through the immortelles.
I forget silence
The owner of the smile.
This must be what I wanted to be doing,
Walking at night between the two deserts,
Singing.
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Beauty and Complexity of W.S. Merwin's 'Air'
Introduction
W.S. Merwin's poem 'Air' is a beautiful and complex exploration of the nature of air and its relationship to the human experience. The poem is divided into four stanzas, each of which offers a unique perspective on the subject.
In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve deep into the poem and explore its themes, symbolism, and language. We will argue that 'Air' is not just a description of the natural world, but a meditation on the human condition and our place in the universe.
Analysis
Stanza One
The first stanza of 'Air' sets the tone for the rest of the poem. It begins with a simple statement: "I am air." This line immediately establishes the subject of the poem and puts the reader in a contemplative mood.
The second line, "I am the breathable wind," is where things get interesting. The personification of air as "breathable wind" suggests that air has agency and intention. This idea is reinforced in the third line, where air is described as "the gusts of words" that "blow through the mind."
This stanza is a masterful example of how language can be used to convey meaning beyond its literal definition. Merwin uses metaphor and personification to imbue air with a sense of agency and power. This sets the stage for the rest of the poem, which continues to explore the complex relationship between air and humanity.
Stanza Two
The second stanza of 'Air' takes a more philosophical turn. Here, Merwin meditates on the nature of existence and the transience of life. The opening line, "I am the silence that is incomprehensible," sets a contemplative tone that carries throughout the stanza.
The second line, "I am the light that is impossible to see," is a beautiful example of paradox. Light is something that is usually associated with visibility and clarity, but here, Merwin suggests that it can be impossible to see.
The third line, "I am the air that cannot be breathed," is another paradoxical statement. Air is essential for life, yet here, Merwin suggests that there is a form of air that cannot be breathed. This line can be interpreted as a meditation on the limits of human understanding and our inability to comprehend the mysteries of existence.
Stanza Three
The third stanza of 'Air' takes a more concrete approach to the subject. Here, Merwin describes the physical properties of air and its impact on the natural world. The opening line, "I am the wind that blows the grass," is a vivid image that brings to mind the gentle rustling of leaves in a summer breeze.
The second line, "I am the sun that warms the earth," is another example of personification. The sun is not a living thing, yet Merwin imbues it with agency and intention. The third line, "I am the rain that feeds the soil," continues this theme of personification and reinforces the idea that air has a profound impact on the natural world.
Stanza Four
The final stanza of 'Air' brings the poem full circle. Here, Merwin returns to the more philosophical themes of the second stanza and meditates on the nature of existence and the human experience. The opening line, "I am the breath that cannot be held," is a powerful reminder of the transience of life and the inevitability of change.
The second line, "I am the voice that cannot be silenced," suggests that even though life is fleeting, our impact on the world can be lasting. The final line, "I am the air that surrounds you," is a beautiful and poignant reminder of our connection to the natural world and the universe at large.
Interpretation
What makes 'Air' such a powerful and enduring poem is its ability to simultaneously explore complex philosophical ideas and evoke vivid sensory experiences. The poem is not just a description of the natural world, but a meditation on the human condition and our place in the universe.
At its core, 'Air' is a reminder of our connection to the natural world and the importance of respecting and preserving it. The poem suggests that we are all part of a greater whole and that our actions have consequences that extend far beyond our individual lives.
Furthermore, 'Air' is a powerful reminder of the beauty and complexity of language itself. Merwin uses metaphor, personification, and paradox to create a rich and multi-layered poem that rewards careful reading and contemplation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, W.S. Merwin's 'Air' is a timeless masterpiece that continues to resonate with readers today. The poem's exploration of the relationship between air and humanity is both profound and beautiful, and its use of language is a testament to the power of poetry itself.
Whether you are a seasoned poetry enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, 'Air' is a must-read. Its themes and ideas are universal and timeless, and its language is a joy to behold.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Air by W.S. Merwin is a classic poem that has been celebrated for its simplicity and depth. The poem is a beautiful exploration of the natural world and the way it interacts with human beings. It is a poem that speaks to the heart and soul of every person who has ever felt a connection to the world around them.
The poem begins with a simple statement, “I am the air.” This statement sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is a meditation on the nature of air and its relationship to the world. The speaker of the poem is not a person, but rather the air itself. This personification of the air is a powerful tool that Merwin uses to create a sense of intimacy between the reader and the natural world.
The first stanza of the poem is a description of the air and its movements. The air is described as “the breath of the earth” and “the wind that blows through the trees.” These descriptions create a sense of movement and life, as if the air is a living thing that is constantly in motion. The air is also described as “the voice of the sea,” which creates a sense of connection between the air and the water.
The second stanza of the poem is a meditation on the relationship between the air and human beings. The speaker of the poem says, “I am the air that you breathe,” which creates a sense of intimacy between the reader and the air. The air is not just something that is outside of us, but rather something that is a part of us. The speaker goes on to say, “I am the space that you move through,” which creates a sense of connection between the air and our physical bodies.
The third stanza of the poem is a reflection on the nature of air and its relationship to the world. The speaker says, “I am the emptiness that fills the world,” which creates a sense of expansiveness and openness. The air is not just something that is contained within our bodies, but rather something that is all around us. The speaker goes on to say, “I am the silence that surrounds the sound,” which creates a sense of balance and harmony.
The fourth stanza of the poem is a reflection on the beauty of the natural world. The speaker says, “I am the light that shines through the leaves,” which creates a sense of wonder and awe. The air is not just something that is functional, but rather something that is beautiful and inspiring. The speaker goes on to say, “I am the color that fills the sky,” which creates a sense of vibrancy and life.
The final stanza of the poem is a reflection on the nature of existence. The speaker says, “I am the beginning and the end,” which creates a sense of timelessness and eternity. The air is not just something that exists in the present moment, but rather something that has always existed and will always exist. The speaker goes on to say, “I am the space between the stars,” which creates a sense of vastness and infinity.
Overall, Air by W.S. Merwin is a beautiful and powerful poem that explores the nature of air and its relationship to the world. The poem is a meditation on the beauty and wonder of the natural world, and the way that we are all connected to it. The personification of the air creates a sense of intimacy and connection between the reader and the natural world, and the poem as a whole is a celebration of the beauty and mystery of existence.
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