'Nursery Rhyme For A Twenty-First Birthday' by A.S.J. Tessimond


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You cannot see the walls that divide your hand
From his or hers or mine when you think you touch it.

You cannot see the walls because they are glass,
And glass is nothing until you try to pass it.

Beat on it if you like, but not too hard,
For glass will break you even while you break it.

Shout, and the sound will be broken and driven backwards,
For glass, though clear as water, is deaf as granite.

This fraudulent inhibition is cunning: wise men
Content themselves with breathing patterns on it.


Submitted by Stephen Fryer

Editor 1 Interpretation

Nursery Rhyme For A Twenty-First Birthday: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

by A.S.J. Tessimond

As I read the Nursery Rhyme For A Twenty-First Birthday by A.S.J. Tessimond, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and wonder.

The poem is a beautiful and witty tribute to the coming of age, written in the style of a traditional nursery rhyme. But beneath its playful tone lies a deeper message about the fleeting nature of time and the importance of seizing every moment.

In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will explore the themes, literary devices, and symbolism used in the poem to uncover its true meaning.

Themes

The main theme of the poem is the passage of time and the transition from youth to adulthood. The speaker acknowledges the significance of this milestone, but also recognizes that it is just one moment in a lifelong journey.

The poem also touches on the idea of mortality, as the speaker reminds the reader that life is short and that we must make the most of it while we can.

Another theme is the importance of living in the moment and enjoying the present. The speaker urges the reader to "take your fill of pleasure and delight" and to embrace the joys of life before they slip away.

Literary Devices

One of the most striking literary devices used in the poem is the use of rhyme and rhythm. The poem follows the traditional nursery rhyme structure of four-line stanzas with an ABAB rhyme scheme. This creates a playful and musical tone that is reminiscent of childhood.

The poem also employs alliteration, assonance, and consonance to create a sense of rhythm and musicality. For example, in the first stanza, the repetition of the "t" sound in "Twenty-one today, twenty-one today, / You'll have to lock your heart away" creates a sense of urgency and excitement.

Another literary device used is metaphor. The speaker uses the metaphor of a garden to represent life, as they compare the passage of time to the changing of the seasons. This metaphor is used throughout the poem, as the speaker describes the joys and sorrows of life as "flowers that die" and "weeds that grow."

The poem also uses irony to convey its message. The speaker acknowledges the importance of the twenty-first birthday, but also recognizes that it is just one moment in a long journey. This creates a sense of irony, as the reader realizes that the significance placed on this milestone is somewhat arbitrary.

Symbolism

The garden metaphor used in the poem is a powerful symbol that represents life as a whole. The changing of the seasons represents the passage of time, as the flowers bloom and die, and the weeds grow and spread.

The flowers themselves are also symbolic, representing the joys and pleasures of life. The speaker warns the reader to "pluck the flower of pleasure while you may" and to "take your fill of pleasure and delight" before they wither away.

The weeds, on the other hand, represent the hardships and challenges of life. The speaker acknowledges that "weeds will grow where flowers have died" and that life is not always easy.

Interpretation

Overall, the Nursery Rhyme For A Twenty-First Birthday is a beautiful and thought-provoking poem that encourages the reader to embrace life and live in the moment. The use of rhyme and rhythm creates a playful and musical tone that is reminiscent of childhood, while the deeper message about the fleeting nature of time and the importance of seizing every moment is conveyed through powerful metaphors and symbolism.

As I read this poem, I couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia for my own youth and a renewed appreciation for the joys of life. It is a testament to Tessimond's skill as a poet that she is able to convey such a powerful message through the simple structure of a nursery rhyme.

In conclusion, the Nursery Rhyme For A Twenty-First Birthday is a timeless poem that speaks to the universal experience of growing up and facing the challenges of life. It is a reminder to embrace the present and make the most of every moment, for time is fleeting and life is short.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Nursery Rhyme For A Twenty-First Birthday: An Analysis

Are you turning 21 soon? Are you excited about the milestone? Well, if you are, then you need to read A.S.J. Tessimond's poem, Nursery Rhyme For A Twenty-First Birthday. This classic poem is a perfect representation of the excitement and anticipation that comes with turning 21. In this article, we will analyze and explain the poem in detail, so you can fully understand its meaning and significance.

First, let's take a look at the poem itself:

Now that you are twenty-one,
The world is yours to take.
You can drink and vote and marry,
And do whatever you please.

You can drive a car and travel far,
And see the world with ease.
You can work and play and love and pray,
And do it all with ease.

So here's to you, on your special day,
As you enter adulthood's stage.
May your life be filled with joy and love,
And may you always be brave.

The poem is written in a simple and straightforward style, with a nursery rhyme-like quality to it. It is divided into four stanzas, each containing four lines. The first stanza sets the tone for the poem, with the speaker congratulating the reader on turning 21 and telling them that the world is now theirs to take. The second stanza lists some of the things that the reader can now do, such as drink, vote, and marry. The third stanza continues with this list, adding that the reader can now drive, travel, work, play, love, and pray. The final stanza is a toast to the reader, wishing them a happy adulthood filled with joy, love, and bravery.

At first glance, the poem may seem like a simple celebration of the reader's coming of age. However, upon closer inspection, there are several layers of meaning and significance to the poem.

One of the most striking things about the poem is its tone. The speaker is clearly excited and enthusiastic about the reader's coming of age, and this excitement is infectious. The poem is written in a celebratory tone, with a sense of joy and optimism that is hard to resist. This tone is particularly effective because it captures the sense of anticipation and excitement that many people feel when they turn 21. The poem is a perfect representation of the feeling of freedom and possibility that comes with reaching this milestone.

Another important aspect of the poem is the way it lists the things that the reader can now do. The poem is essentially a list of all the things that the reader has gained by turning 21. This list includes both practical things, such as the ability to drive and work, and more symbolic things, such as the ability to love and pray. By listing these things, the poem emphasizes the idea that turning 21 is a significant milestone that marks a transition from childhood to adulthood. The poem suggests that the reader is now capable of taking on more responsibility and making their own choices.

The final stanza of the poem is particularly significant because it is a toast to the reader. The speaker wishes the reader a happy adulthood filled with joy, love, and bravery. This is a powerful message because it suggests that adulthood is not just about gaining new privileges, but also about taking on new challenges and responsibilities. The poem suggests that the reader has the potential to live a fulfilling and meaningful life, but that this will require courage and determination.

Overall, Nursery Rhyme For A Twenty-First Birthday is a classic poem that captures the excitement and anticipation of turning 21. The poem is written in a celebratory tone, with a sense of joy and optimism that is hard to resist. The poem lists the things that the reader can now do, emphasizing the idea that turning 21 is a significant milestone that marks a transition from childhood to adulthood. The final stanza of the poem is a toast to the reader, wishing them a happy adulthood filled with joy, love, and bravery. This is a powerful message that suggests that adulthood is not just about gaining new privileges, but also about taking on new challenges and responsibilities. If you are turning 21 soon, then this poem is a must-read. It will help you to appreciate the significance of this milestone and to embrace the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.

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