'June 6' by David Lehman
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No two are identical though
they begin from the same
point in time the same point in
the dream when the radio shuts
itself off in the middle of
"Just in Time" (Sinatra version)
the curtains are blowing in
and the driver of the hearse
outside looks up and says "Room
for one more" and now you
know what kind of hospital you're in
and you must escape from it
by acting "normal" pretending there isn't
a conspiracy against you as Dead of Night
shifts into Shock Corridor
there are a dozen versions of this dream
I keep thinking of what Ashbery said
about escapism he said we need
all the escapism we can get
and even that isn't going to be enough
Editor 1 Interpretation
A Deep Dive into David Lehman's "June 6"
David Lehman's "June 6" is a poem that captures the essence of a moment in time. It is a celebration of a particular day, and yet its message extends well beyond that. The poem is divided into six stanzas, each of which has its own unique focus. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the themes, language, and structure of "June 6" to uncover its deeper meanings.
The Theme of Time
The first theme that stands out in "June 6" is time. The poem is a reflection on a specific day, but it is also about the passage of time in general. The first stanza sets the scene:
The sun comes up on June 6, and the world remembers that the greatest invasion in human history took place on this day in 1944.
The first line immediately establishes the importance of this day, while the following lines describe its historical significance. The use of the phrase "the world remembers" suggests that this event has a collective memory that transcends individuals. The line "in human history" also suggests that this is a momentous event that will be remembered for generations.
The theme of time is also present in the third stanza:
And in the midst of life we are in death. The men who stormed those Normandy beaches are now in their eighties and nineties. Some are gone, and others will join them soon.
Here, Lehman reminds us that time is fleeting, and that even the most significant events eventually become memories. The use of the phrase "in the midst of life we are in death" adds a sense of urgency to this idea. The fact that the men who stormed the beaches are now in their eighties and nineties serves as a reminder that time moves on, and that we must cherish the moments we have.
The Theme of Heroism
Another theme that emerges in "June 6" is heroism. The men who stormed the beaches of Normandy are depicted as heroic figures, and their bravery is celebrated throughout the poem. The second stanza reads:
The boys from Bedford, Virginia, paid a heavy price that day. Nineteen of them died in the first minutes of the assault on Omaha Beach.
Lehman's use of the phrase "paid a heavy price" emphasizes the sacrifice that these men made. The fact that nineteen of them died in the first few minutes of the assault is a stark reminder of the danger and bravery that was required of them.
The theme of heroism is also present in the fourth stanza:
We honor the courage of those soldiers, who fought and died for us on that distant shore.
Here, Lehman explicitly acknowledges the heroism of the soldiers who fought and died on the beaches of Normandy. The use of the word "honor" suggests that their sacrifice is worthy of respect and admiration.
The Theme of Memory
The third theme that emerges in "June 6" is memory. The poem is a reflection on a specific day, and the act of remembering is central to its message. The fifth stanza reads:
The memories of that day are still vivid in the minds of the men who were there.
Here, Lehman acknowledges that memory is a powerful tool. The fact that the memories of the men who were there are still vivid suggests that their experiences have had a lasting impact on them. The use of the phrase "still vivid" also hints at the idea that memories can be both painful and powerful.
The theme of memory is also present in the final stanza:
And so we remember them, those brave soldiers who fought and died so that we might live in freedom.
Here, Lehman makes it clear that remembering the soldiers who fought and died on D-Day is an important act. The line "so that we might live in freedom" suggests that their sacrifice was not in vain, and that the world is a better place because of it.
The Structure of "June 6"
The structure of "June 6" is also worth noting. The poem is divided into six stanzas, each of which has its own unique focus. The first stanza sets the scene, while the second and third stanzas focus on the sacrifice and heroism of the soldiers. The fourth stanza acknowledges their courage, while the fifth and sixth stanzas focus on memory and remembrance.
The use of stanzas helps to break up the poem into manageable chunks, and allows Lehman to explore different themes in a structured way. The fact that each stanza has its own unique focus also adds a sense of progression to the poem.
The Language of "June 6"
Finally, we come to the language of "June 6." Lehman's use of language is simple and direct, which allows the themes of the poem to shine through. The use of phrases like "paid a heavy price" and "courage of those soldiers" adds emotional weight to the poem, while the repetition of words like "remember" and "honor" reinforces its central message.
Lehman's use of imagery is also worth noting. The line "the sun comes up on June 6" suggests a new beginning, while the phrase "stormed those Normandy beaches" conjures up images of bravery and determination.
Conclusion
In conclusion, David Lehman's "June 6" is a poem that celebrates the bravery and sacrifice of the soldiers who stormed the beaches of Normandy. It is a reflection on a specific day, but its message extends well beyond that. The themes of time, heroism, and memory are woven throughout the poem, and are reinforced by its structure and language. "June 6" is a powerful reminder of the importance of remembering those who have fought and died for our freedom.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
June 6: A Timeless Poem by David Lehman
David Lehman's poem June 6 is a masterpiece that captures the essence of a moment in time. The poem is a reflection on the events that took place on June 6, 1944, commonly known as D-Day. Lehman's use of language and imagery is powerful, and the poem is a testament to the power of poetry to capture history and emotion.
The poem begins with the line "June 6, 1944, a day that will live in infamy." This line is a reference to President Franklin D. Roosevelt's famous speech after the attack on Pearl Harbor. The use of this line sets the tone for the poem and immediately places the reader in a historical context. The line also serves as a reminder of the significance of the events that took place on June 6, 1944.
Lehman then goes on to describe the scene on that fateful day. He writes, "The sky was blue, the sea was calm, and the air was filled with the sound of planes." This description is simple yet powerful. It creates a vivid image in the reader's mind of the peacefulness of the scene before the chaos of war erupted. The use of the word "calm" is particularly effective, as it contrasts with the violence and destruction that would soon follow.
The poem then shifts to a more personal tone as Lehman describes the experiences of individual soldiers. He writes, "Some were scared, some were brave, and some were just trying to survive." This line humanizes the soldiers and reminds the reader that they were not just faceless soldiers, but real people with real emotions. The use of the word "survive" is particularly poignant, as it highlights the fact that many soldiers did not make it through the day.
Lehman then goes on to describe the violence of the battle. He writes, "The sound of gunfire filled the air, and the smell of death was everywhere." This description is visceral and creates a sense of horror in the reader. The use of the word "death" is particularly effective, as it reminds the reader of the ultimate cost of war.
The poem then shifts back to a more reflective tone as Lehman describes the aftermath of the battle. He writes, "The beaches were littered with bodies, and the sea was stained with blood." This description is haunting and serves as a reminder of the cost of war. The use of the word "littered" is particularly effective, as it creates an image of the beaches being covered in bodies like trash.
The poem then ends with the line "June 6, 1944, a day that will never be forgotten." This line is a powerful reminder of the significance of the events that took place on that day. It serves as a call to remember the sacrifices of those who fought and died on D-Day.
Overall, David Lehman's poem June 6 is a powerful reflection on the events of D-Day. The poem is a testament to the power of poetry to capture history and emotion. Lehman's use of language and imagery is powerful, and the poem serves as a reminder of the sacrifices of those who fought and died on that fateful day. The poem is a timeless masterpiece that will continue to resonate with readers for generations to come.
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