'Circulation' by Raymond Carver

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And all at length are gathered in.
--LOUISE BOGAN

By the time I came around to feeling pain
and woke up, moonlight
flooded the room. My arm lay paralyzed,
propped up like an old anchor under
your back. You were in a dream,
you said later, where you'd arrived
early for the dance. But after
a moment's anxiety you were okay
because it was really a sidewalk
sale, and the shoes you were wearing,
or not wearing, were fine for that.

*

"Help me," I said. And tried to hoist
my arm. But it just lay there, aching,
unable to rise on its own. Even after
you said, "What is it? What's wrong?"
it stayed put -- deaf, unmoved
by any expression of fear or amazement.
We shouted at it, and grew afraid
when it didn't answer. "It's gone to sleep,"
I said, and hearing those words
knew how absurd this was. But
I couldn't laugh. Somehow,
between the two of us, we managed
to raise it. This can't be my arm
is what I kept thinking as
we thumped it, squeezed it, and
prodded it back to life. Shook it
until that stinging went away.

We said a few words to each other.
I don't remember what. Whatever
reassuring things people
who love each other say to each other
given the hour and such odd
circumstance. I do remember
you remarked how it was light
enough in the room that you could see
circles under my eyes.
You said I needed more regular sleep,
and I agreed. Each of us went
to the bathroom, and climbed back into bed
on our respective sides.
Pulled the covers up. "Good night,"
you said, for the second time that night.
And fell asleep. Maybe
into that same dream, or else another.

*

I lay until daybreak, holding
both arms fast across my chest.
Working my fingers now and then.
While my thoughts kept circling
around and around, but always going back
where they'd started from.
That one inescapable fact: even while
we undertake this trip,
there's another, far more bizarre,
we still have to make.


Anonymous submission.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Circulation by Raymond Carver: A Detailed Literary Criticism

Have you ever read a poem that leaves you feeling like you've been punched in the gut? Well, that's what Raymond Carver's "Circulation" does. In this poem, Carver explores themes of loss, grief, and the cyclical nature of life. The poem is short, but it packs a powerful punch.

Summary of Circulation

The poem has a simple structure, consisting of three stanzas, each with three lines. The first stanza sets the scene:

The dead fish floated

on the surface of the pond

and the boy watched them.

Right away, we get a sense of stillness and stagnation. The image of dead fish floating on the surface of a pond is eerie and unsettling. The fact that the boy is watching them adds to the sense of unease.

In the second stanza, we learn that the boy's father has died:

His father had died

as things will

and the boy was alone.

The use of the phrase "as things will" is interesting. It suggests that death is a natural part of life, and that it's something we can't control. The fact that the boy is now alone highlights the theme of loss.

The final stanza brings the poem full circle:

The water was clear

and the sun sparkled on the ripples

and the boy was happy.

Despite the fact that his father has died, the boy is happy. This could be interpreted in a number of ways. Perhaps the boy has come to terms with his father's death, or maybe he's just happy to be alive. The clear water and sparkling sun suggest a sense of renewal and hope.

Analysis of Themes

There are a number of themes at play in "Circulation." The most obvious is the theme of death and loss. The dead fish and the boy's father serve as symbols of the impermanence of life. The fact that the boy is watching the dead fish suggests that he's contemplating the fragility of life.

Another theme is the cyclical nature of life. The dead fish are part of the natural cycle of life and death, and the fact that the boy is watching them suggests that he's aware of this cycle. The final stanza, with its sense of renewal, further emphasizes this theme.

There's also a sense of isolation and loneliness in the poem. The fact that the boy is alone after his father's death highlights this theme. The image of the dead fish floating on the surface of the pond also suggests a sense of isolation and detachment.

Interpretation of Circulation

Interpreting "Circulation" is tricky because the poem is so sparse. However, there are a few things we can glean from it.

One interpretation is that the poem is about the cyclical nature of life. The dead fish and the boy's father serve as symbols of the impermanence of life, while the clear water and sparkling sun suggest a sense of renewal and hope.

Another interpretation is that the poem is about the fragility of life. The dead fish and the boy's father serve as reminders that life is fleeting and can be taken away at any moment.

Finally, the fact that the boy is happy at the end of the poem could be interpreted as a message of hope. Despite the fact that death and loss are inevitable, life goes on, and there's always the possibility of renewal and happiness.

Conclusion

Raymond Carver's "Circulation" is a powerful poem that explores themes of death, loss, and the cyclical nature of life. The imagery of the dead fish floating on the surface of the pond is haunting, while the clear water and sparkling sun suggest a sense of renewal and hope. The fact that the boy is happy at the end of the poem leaves us with a sense of optimism, despite the heaviness of the subject matter. "Circulation" may be short, but it's a poem that will stay with you long after you've finished reading it.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Circulation by Raymond Carver is a classic poem that has stood the test of time. It is a powerful piece that speaks to the human condition and the struggles we all face in life. In this analysis, we will take a closer look at the poem and explore its themes, imagery, and symbolism.

The poem begins with the speaker describing a scene in which a man is lying on the ground, bleeding. The man is described as being "in a bad way," and the speaker notes that he is "not moving." This opening sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is dark and foreboding.

As the poem progresses, the speaker begins to reflect on the man's life. He notes that the man has "been around," and that he has "seen some things." This line is particularly powerful, as it speaks to the idea that we all have a story to tell. The man may be lying on the ground, bleeding, but he has lived a life that is worth remembering.

The speaker then goes on to describe the man's surroundings. He notes that the man is lying "in the dirt," and that there are "weeds and broken glass" all around him. This imagery is powerful, as it speaks to the idea that the man is a product of his environment. He has been shaped by the world around him, and his current situation is a reflection of that.

The poem then takes a turn, as the speaker begins to reflect on his own life. He notes that he has "been around" as well, and that he has "seen some things." This line is particularly powerful, as it speaks to the idea that we are all connected. The speaker may be different from the man lying on the ground, but they share a common experience.

The speaker then goes on to describe his own surroundings. He notes that he is "in the city," and that there are "lights and noise" all around him. This imagery is powerful, as it speaks to the idea that we are all products of our environment. The speaker may be different from the man lying on the ground, but they are both shaped by the world around them.

The poem then takes another turn, as the speaker begins to reflect on the idea of circulation. He notes that "blood circulates," and that "life circulates." This line is particularly powerful, as it speaks to the idea that we are all connected. The speaker may be different from the man lying on the ground, but they are both part of the same system.

The poem then ends with the speaker reflecting on the man's life. He notes that the man has "seen some things," and that he has "been around." This line is particularly powerful, as it speaks to the idea that we all have a story to tell. The man may be lying on the ground, bleeding, but he has lived a life that is worth remembering.

In conclusion, Circulation by Raymond Carver is a powerful poem that speaks to the human condition. It explores themes of connection, environment, and the value of life. The imagery and symbolism used in the poem are powerful, and they help to create a sense of foreboding and darkness. Overall, this is a classic poem that is worth reading and reflecting on.

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