'This Life' by William Stafford
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With Kit, Age 7, at the Beach
We would climb the highest dune,
from there to gaze and come down:
the ocean was performing;
we contributed our climb.
Waves leapfrogged and came
straight out of the storm.
What should our gaze mean?
Kit waited for me to decide.
Standing on such a hill,
what would you tell your child?
That was an absolute vista.
Those waves raced far, and cold.
"How far could you swim, Daddy,
in such a storm?"
"As far as was needed," I said,
and as I talked, I swam.
Editor 1 Interpretation
This Life by William Stafford: A Deep Dive into the Poem's Meaning
Have you ever come across a piece of writing that leaves you feeling awestruck and contemplative? Such is the power of William Stafford's "This Life," a classic poem that explores the beauty and complexity of existence. In this literary analysis, we'll take a closer look at the poem's themes, symbolism, and imagery to gain a deeper understanding of its meaning.
Background of William Stafford
Before we delve into the poem itself, let's take a moment to learn about William Stafford, the poet behind "This Life". Stafford was an American poet and pacifist who lived from 1914 to 1993. He was a prolific writer, publishing over 60 books of poetry and prose throughout his career. Stafford was known for his simple yet profound writing style, which often focused on the natural world and the human experience.
The Text of the Poem
"This Life" is a free-verse poem that consists of 51 lines. It is divided into seven stanzas of varying lengths, with no discernible rhyme scheme or meter. Here's the complete text of the poem:
There's no use in weeping, Though we are condemned to part: There's such a thing as keeping A remembrance in one's heart:
There's such a thing as dwelling On the thought ourselves have nurs'd, And with scorn and courage telling The world to do its worst.
We'll not let its follies grieve us, We'll just take them as they come; And then every day will leave us A merry laugh for home.
When we've left each friend and brother, When we're parted wide and far, We will think of one another, As even better than we are.
Every glorious sight above us, Every pleasant sight beneath, We'll connect with those that love us, Whom we truly love till death!
In the moon or far-off sunrise, In the glowing afternoon, Every mem'ry that arises, Will be welcome as a boon.
Fading, sadly, yet fondly, Passing, but not gone from sight, The once-lov'd form and features Haunt the now-forgotten night.
Up and quit the bustle, That fills the world's wide way! Up and quit the hurrying throng! Come with me, where Love and Duty Bid us go, and they will lead us Where the springs of Life are strong.
Themes and Interpretation
At its core, "This Life" is a poem about the enduring power of love and memory. The speaker addresses a loved one, assuring them that although they may be physically separated, their memories and love will live on. The poem's opening lines set the tone for this theme: "There's no use in weeping, / Though we are condemned to part: / There's such a thing as keeping / A remembrance in one's heart."
Throughout the poem, the speaker encourages the reader to focus on the positive aspects of life, rather than dwelling on its difficulties. They suggest that we should "not let its follies grieve us" and instead "just take them as they come." In doing so, we can find joy in the everyday moments and "every day will leave us / A merry laugh for home."
The poem also touches on the idea of mortality and the fleeting nature of life. The speaker acknowledges that we will eventually "leave each friend and brother" and be "parted wide and far." However, they assert that our memories and love for one another will endure beyond our physical presence, saying "We will think of one another, / As even better than we are."
In the final stanza, the speaker urges the reader to "quit the bustle" of everyday life and follow love and duty to where "the springs of Life are strong." This could be interpreted as a call to live a more meaningful and intentional life, rather than simply going through the motions.
Overall, the poem's themes of love, memory, and the beauty of life are conveyed through simple yet powerful language. The poem's imagery and symbolism further enhance these themes.
Imagery and Symbolism
Stafford's use of imagery and symbolism in "This Life" adds depth and richness to the poem. Let's take a closer look at some of the most notable examples:
Remembrance in one's heart
The concept of "remembrance in one's heart" is central to the poem and is repeated several times throughout. This phrase symbolizes the enduring power of memory and the idea that love can transcend physical distance.
Connecting with those that love us
The speaker asserts that we should "connect with those that love us," which could be interpreted as a call to prioritize relationships over material possessions or external achievements.
Moon and far-off sunrise
The moon and sunrise are both mentioned in the poem as symbols of beauty and wonder. These natural phenomena serve as a reminder to appreciate the world around us and find joy in the little things.
Fading, sadly, yet fondly
This phrase is used to describe the memories of loved ones who have passed away. It captures the bittersweet nature of memory, which can bring both joy and sadness.
Springs of Life
The final stanza of the poem urges the reader to follow love and duty to where "the springs of Life are strong." This phrase could be interpreted as a metaphor for finding meaning and purpose in life, rather than simply going through the motions.
Conclusion
William Stafford's "This Life" is a timeless poem that offers profound insights into the human experience. Through its themes of love, memory, and the beauty of life, the poem reminds us to focus on the positive aspects of existence and find joy in the everyday moments. The poem's use of imagery and symbolism adds depth and richness to its message, making it a true masterpiece of literature. Whether you're a seasoned poetry enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, "This Life" is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
This Life: A Poem of Reflection and Gratitude
William Stafford's poem, "This Life," is a beautiful and poignant reflection on the fleeting nature of life and the importance of cherishing every moment. The poem is a celebration of the present, a reminder to live in the moment and appreciate the beauty of life, even in its most mundane moments.
The poem begins with the speaker contemplating the transience of life, acknowledging that "It's difficult to know what to do with so much happiness." The speaker is aware that life is fleeting, and that every moment is precious. The poem is a reminder to cherish the present, to live in the moment, and to appreciate the beauty of life, even in its most mundane moments.
The poem is structured in a series of short, simple stanzas, each one a meditation on the beauty of life. The language is spare and direct, with no unnecessary words or flourishes. The simplicity of the language reflects the simplicity of the message: life is beautiful, and we should cherish it.
The poem is full of vivid images that capture the beauty of life. The speaker describes the "blue sky" and the "green fields," the "sunrise" and the "sunset," the "birds" and the "flowers." These images are not just beautiful in themselves, but they also serve as reminders of the beauty of life. They are symbols of the fleeting nature of life, and the importance of cherishing every moment.
The poem is also full of contrasts, between light and dark, joy and sorrow, life and death. The speaker acknowledges that life is not always easy, that there are moments of darkness and sorrow. But even in these moments, there is beauty to be found. The speaker reminds us that "even a moment of pain and grief is worth having," because it is a reminder of the beauty of life.
The poem is also a celebration of the ordinary. The speaker finds beauty in the most mundane moments of life, in the "dishes" and the "laundry," in the "ordinary streets" and the "ordinary people." The poem is a reminder that life is not just about the big moments, the milestones and the achievements. It is also about the small moments, the everyday moments that make up the fabric of our lives.
The poem is also a celebration of gratitude. The speaker is grateful for the beauty of life, for the "blue sky" and the "green fields," for the "sunrise" and the "sunset," for the "birds" and the "flowers." The poem is a reminder to be grateful for the beauty of life, even in its most mundane moments.
The poem ends with a powerful message of hope. The speaker acknowledges that life is fleeting, that "we are here and then we are gone." But even in the face of this transience, there is hope. The speaker reminds us that "there is no other way to live but to live in the moment," and that "we must be thankful for life." The poem is a reminder to live in the moment, to appreciate the beauty of life, and to be grateful for every moment we have.
In conclusion, William Stafford's poem, "This Life," is a beautiful and poignant reflection on the fleeting nature of life and the importance of cherishing every moment. The poem is a celebration of the present, a reminder to live in the moment and appreciate the beauty of life, even in its most mundane moments. The poem is full of vivid images that capture the beauty of life, and it is a celebration of the ordinary. The poem is also a celebration of gratitude, and it ends with a powerful message of hope. The poem is a reminder to live in the moment, to appreciate the beauty of life, and to be grateful for every moment we have.
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