'Last Words' by Philip Levine

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If the shoe fell from the other foot
who would hear? If the door
opened onto a pure darkness
and it was no dream? If your life
ended the way a book ends
with half a blank page and the survivors
gone off to Africa or madness?
If my life ended in late spring
of 1964 while I walked alone
back down the mountain road?
I sing an old song to myself. I study
the way the snow remains, gray
and damp, in the deep shadows of the firs.
I wonder if the bike is safe hidden
just off the highway. Up ahead
the road, black and winding, falls
away, and there is the valley where
I lived half of my life, spectral
and calm. I sigh with gratitude,
and then I feel an odd pain rising
through the back of my head,
and my eyes go dark. I bend forward
and place my palms on something rough,
the black asphalt or a field of stubble,
and the movement is that of the penitent
just before he stands to his full height
with the knowledge of his enormity.
For that moment which will survive
the burning of all the small pockets
of fat and oil that are the soul,
I am the soul stretching into
the furthest reaches of my fingers
and beyond, glowing like ten candles
in the vault of night for anyone
who could see, even though it is
12:40 in the afternoon and I
have passed from darkness into sunlight
so fierce the sweat streams down
into my eyes. I did not rise.
A wind or a stray animal or a group
of kids dragged me to the side
of the road and turned me over
so that my open eyes could flood heaven.
My clothes went skittering down
the road without me, ballooning
out into any shape, giddy
with release. My coins, my rings,
the keys to my house shattered
like ice and fell into the mountain
thorns and grasses, little bright points
that make you think there is magic
in everything you see. No, it can't
be, you say, for someone is speaking
calmly to you in a voice you know.
Someone alive and confident has put
each of these words down exactly
as he wants them on the page.
You have lived through years
of denial, of public lies, of death
falling like snow on any head
it chooses. You're not a child.
You know the real thing. I am
here, as I always was, faithful
to a need to speak even when all
you hear is a light current of air
tickling your ear. Perhaps.
But what if that dried bundle
of leaves and dirt were not dirt
and leaves but the spent wafer
of a desire to be human? Stop the car,
turn off the engine, and stand
in the silence above your life. See
how the grass mirrors fire, how
a wind rides up the hillside
steadily toward you until it surges
into your ears like breath coming
and going, released from its bondage
to blood or speech and denying nothing.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Last Words by Philip Levine: A Masterpiece of Modern Poetry

Last Words by Philip Levine is a remarkable poem that captures the essence of life and death in a powerful and evocative manner. The poem is a reflection on the nature of existence, the inevitability of death, and the quest for meaning in a world that is often cruel and unforgiving. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will explore the themes, imagery, and symbolism in Last Words that make it one of the most profound and moving poems of our time.

Overview

Last Words is a poem that is both simple and complex. On the surface, it is a straightforward account of a dying man's final moments as he reflects on his life and prepares to face his inevitable end. However, beneath this simple narrative lies a rich tapestry of images, metaphors, and allusions that capture the complexity and mystery of human existence.

At its heart, Last Words is a meditation on the power of memory and the human desire for connection and meaning. The poem is a testament to the enduring human spirit, even in the face of mortality and despair. It is a work of art that speaks to the deepest yearnings of the human soul and reminds us of the beauty and fragility of life.

Themes

The themes in Last Words are universal and timeless. They are the themes that have preoccupied poets, philosophers, and thinkers throughout history. These themes include the nature of existence, the meaning of life, the inevitability of death, and the power of memory.

One of the central themes in Last Words is the nature of existence. The poem is a reflection on what it means to be alive and what it means to face death. The dying man in the poem is acutely aware of the fragility of life and the fleeting nature of human existence. He reflects on his life and the choices he has made, wondering if he has lived a meaningful and purposeful life.

Another theme in Last Words is the power of memory. The poem is a testament to the enduring power of memory and the human desire for connection and meaning. The dying man in the poem clings to his memories as a way of finding comfort and solace in the face of death. He remembers the people he has loved and the moments of joy and happiness that he has experienced in his life. These memories give him a sense of purpose and meaning even as he faces the end of his life.

Imagery

The imagery in Last Words is rich and evocative. Throughout the poem, Levine uses imagery to create a vivid and powerful portrait of the dying man and his surroundings. The imagery in the poem is both concrete and abstract, reflecting the complex and multifaceted nature of human experience.

One of the most striking images in Last Words is the image of the dying man's hand. Levine describes the hand as "thin and white as a winter branch," evoking a sense of fragility and vulnerability. The image of the hand is a powerful symbol of the dying man's mortality and the fleeting nature of human existence.

Another powerful image in Last Words is the image of the dying man's memories. Levine describes these memories as "a luminous fog" that surrounds the dying man, giving him comfort and solace in the face of death. The image of the memories as a luminous fog is both beautiful and haunting, evoking a sense of both wonder and mystery.

Symbolism

The symbolism in Last Words is subtle and nuanced, reflecting the complexity and depth of the poem. Throughout the poem, Levine uses symbolism to explore the themes of the poem and to create a deeper understanding of the dying man's experience.

One of the most prominent symbols in Last Words is the image of the dying man's bed. The bed is a powerful symbol of the dying man's mortality and the inevitability of death. It is also a symbol of the dying man's vulnerability and his need for comfort and support in his final moments.

Another important symbol in Last Words is the image of the dying man's memories. These memories are a symbol of the power of memory and the human desire for connection and meaning. They are also a symbol of the enduring human spirit, even in the face of mortality and despair.

Conclusion

Last Words is a masterpiece of modern poetry that captures the essence of life and death in a powerful and evocative manner. The poem is a reflection on the nature of existence, the inevitability of death, and the quest for meaning in a world that is often cruel and unforgiving. It is a work of art that speaks to the deepest yearnings of the human soul and reminds us of the beauty and fragility of life.

The themes, imagery, and symbolism in Last Words are universal and timeless, reflecting the complexity and depth of human experience. The poem is a testament to the enduring power of memory and the human desire for connection and meaning. It is a work of art that will continue to inspire and move readers for generations to come.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Last Words by Philip Levine is a classic poem that captures the essence of life and death. The poem is a reflection of the poet's own mortality and the inevitability of death. It is a powerful and moving piece of literature that explores the themes of life, death, and the human condition.

The poem begins with the speaker's realization that he is dying. He reflects on his life and the experiences that have shaped him. He thinks about the people he has loved and the moments that have brought him joy. He also thinks about the pain and suffering he has endured and the mistakes he has made.

The speaker's thoughts then turn to the people he will leave behind. He thinks about the impact his death will have on his loved ones and the world around him. He wonders if he has made a difference in the world and if his life has been meaningful.

The poem then takes a turn as the speaker begins to accept his fate. He acknowledges that death is a natural part of life and that everyone must face it eventually. He finds comfort in the fact that he will be reunited with those who have passed before him.

The final lines of the poem are a powerful statement about the human condition. The speaker says, "I am not afraid to die, but I am afraid of what comes after." This line captures the essence of the human experience. We are all afraid of the unknown, of what comes after death. But we must face it with courage and acceptance.

One of the most striking aspects of Last Words is the way in which Levine captures the emotions of the speaker. The poem is written in a simple and direct style, but it is filled with powerful imagery and emotion. The speaker's thoughts and feelings are conveyed with clarity and honesty, making the poem relatable and moving.

Another notable aspect of the poem is the way in which Levine explores the themes of life and death. He acknowledges the pain and suffering that come with life, but he also celebrates the moments of joy and love. He recognizes the inevitability of death, but he also finds comfort in the idea that death is a natural part of life.

Overall, Last Words is a powerful and moving poem that explores the themes of life, death, and the human condition. It is a testament to the power of poetry to capture the essence of the human experience and to provide comfort and understanding in times of grief and loss.

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