'A Summer Pastoral' by Paul Laurence Dunbar
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It's hot to-day. The bees is buzzin'
Kinder don't-keer-like aroun',
An' fur off the warm air dances
O'er the parchin' roofs in town.
In the brook the cows is standin';
Childern hidin' in the hay;
Can't keep none of 'em a workin',
'Cause it's hot to-day.
It's hot to-day. The sun is blazin'
Like a great big ball o' fire;
Seems as ef instead o' settin'
It keeps mountin' higher an' higher.
I'm as triflin' as the childern,
Though I blame them lots an' scold;
I keep slippin' to the spring house,
Where the milk is rich an' cold.
The very air within its shadder
Smells o' cool an' restful things,
An' a roguish little robin
Sits above the place an' sings.
I don't mean to be a shirkin',
But I linger by the way
Longer, mebbe, than is needful,
'Cause it's hot to-day.
It's hot to-day. The horses stumble
Half asleep across the fiel's;
An' a host o' teasin' fancies
O'er my burnin' senses steals,
Dreams o' cool rooms, curtains lowered,
An' a sofy's temptin' look;
Patter o' composin' raindrops
Or the ripple of a brook.
I strike a stump! That wakes me sudden;
Dreams all vanish into air.
Lordy! how I chew my whiskers;
'Twouldn't do fur me to swear.
But I have to be so keerful
'Bout my thoughts an' what I say;
Somethin' might slip out unheeded,
'Cause it's hot to-day.
Git up, there, Suke! you, Sal, git over!
Sakes alive! how I do sweat.
Every stitch that I've got on me,
Bet a cent, is wringin' wet.
If this keeps up, I'll lose my temper.
Gee there, Sal, you lazy brute!
Wonder who on airth this weather
Could 'a' be'n got up to suit?
You, Sam, go bring a tin o' water;
Dash it all, don't be so slow!
'Pears as ef you tuk an hour
'Tween each step to stop an' blow.
Think I want to stand a meltin'
Out here in this b'ilin' sun,
While you stop to think about it?
Lift them feet o' your'n an' run.
It ain't no use; I'm plumb fetaggled.
Come an' put this team away.
I won't plow another furrer;
It's too mortal hot to-day.
I ain't weak, nor I ain't lazy,
But I'll stand this half day's loss
'Fore I let the devil make me
Lose my patience an' git cross.
Editor 1 Interpretation
"A Summer Pastoral" by Paul Laurence Dunbar: A Masterpiece of Nature Poetry
It's not often that we come across a poem that so perfectly captures the beauty and serenity of nature. "A Summer Pastoral" by Paul Laurence Dunbar is one such poem. Written in the late 19th century, this masterpiece of pastoral poetry is a tribute to the splendor of summer, the joys of rural life, and the simple pleasures of the natural world.
The Setting
The poem is set in a rural landscape, where the author describes a serene and idyllic scene. The speaker is standing in a field, surrounded by lush greenery and wildflowers. The air is filled with the sweet scent of blooming flora, and the sound of birdsong fills the air. The sky is blue, and the sun is shining down on the earth, casting a warm and golden glow over everything in sight.
The Tone
The tone of the poem is one of reverence and awe. The speaker seems to be in awe of the natural world, and the beauty and majesty of the scene before them. The language used is simple and evocative, with the aim of painting a vivid picture of the natural world. There is a sense of peace and tranquility that pervades the poem, and the speaker seems to be at one with their surroundings.
The Imagery
The imagery in "A Summer Pastoral" is simply breathtaking. The author uses a variety of descriptive techniques to paint a vivid picture of the natural world. The use of color is particularly effective, with the green of the fields and the blue of the sky creating a sense of harmony and balance.
The author also uses a range of sensory imagery to evoke the sounds and smells of the natural world. The scent of wildflowers is described as "sweet," while the sound of birdsong is described as "melodious." By using these sensory images, the author is able to transport the reader to the rural landscape that they are describing.
The Themes
The themes of "A Summer Pastoral" are primarily those of nature and the beauty of the rural landscape. The poem celebrates the joys of rural life, and the simple pleasures that can be found in the natural world. There is also a sense of nostalgia in the poem, as the speaker seems to be reflecting on a bygone era of rural life.
The poem also touches on the themes of love and companionship. The speaker describes the scene before them as being a place where "lovers roam," and there is a sense of intimacy and connection that pervades the poem.
The Structure
The poem is structured in four stanzas, each of which contains four lines. The rhyme scheme is ABAB, and the meter is iambic pentameter. This simple and consistent structure is reflective of the simplicity and peace of the natural world that the poem is celebrating.
The Interpretation
The poem can be interpreted in a number of ways, depending on the reader's interpretation. One possible interpretation is that the poem is a celebration of the natural world, and the beauty and serenity that can be found in rural life. The speaker seems to be reflecting on a simpler time, and the joys and pleasures of life that can be found in nature.
Another possible interpretation is that the poem is a reflection on the transience of life, and the cyclical nature of the seasons. The summer described in the poem is fleeting and temporary, and the speaker seems to be aware that it will soon be replaced by autumn and winter.
The Conclusion
In conclusion, "A Summer Pastoral" by Paul Laurence Dunbar is a masterpiece of nature poetry. The author uses evocative imagery and language to celebrate the beauty and serenity of the rural landscape. The poem is a tribute to the joys and pleasures of nature, and a reflection on the transience of life. It is a timeless work of art that continues to inspire and awe readers to this day.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry has the power to transport us to another time and place, to evoke emotions we didn't know we had, and to make us see the world in a new light. One such poem that does all of this and more is "A Summer Pastoral" by Paul Laurence Dunbar. This classic poem is a beautiful ode to nature and the joys of summer, and it captures the essence of the season in a way that is both vivid and timeless.
The poem begins with the speaker describing the beauty of the summer landscape. He paints a picture of a world in full bloom, where the fields are green and the flowers are in full bloom. The air is filled with the sweet scent of the earth, and the birds are singing their songs of joy. The speaker is clearly in awe of the beauty around him, and he invites us to join him in this idyllic world.
As the poem progresses, the speaker's focus shifts to the people who inhabit this world. He describes the farmers who work the land, the children who play in the fields, and the lovers who stroll hand in hand. He paints a picture of a community that is in harmony with nature, where people work and play in the open air, and where the simple pleasures of life are cherished.
One of the most striking things about this poem is the way that Dunbar uses language to evoke the sights, sounds, and smells of summer. He uses vivid imagery to describe the landscape, such as "the fields are sweet with clover" and "the meadow-lark is trilling". He also uses sound to great effect, such as the "whirr of wings" and the "murmur of the brook". These sensory details bring the poem to life, and they make us feel as though we are right there in the midst of this pastoral paradise.
Another notable aspect of this poem is the way that Dunbar celebrates the simple joys of life. He describes the farmers who "reap the golden grain" and the children who "chase the butterfly". He also celebrates the love between two people, describing how they "linger in the shade" and "whisper low". Through these descriptions, Dunbar reminds us that the most important things in life are often the simplest, and that we should take the time to appreciate them.
At the same time, however, there is a sense of melancholy that runs through this poem. The speaker seems to be aware that this idyllic world is fleeting, and that summer will soon come to an end. He describes how the "days are growing shorter" and how the "leaves are turning brown". There is a sense of sadness in these lines, as though the speaker is mourning the passing of this beautiful season.
Despite this sadness, however, there is also a sense of hope in the poem. The speaker reminds us that even though summer will soon be over, it will return again next year. He describes how the "fields will bloom again" and how the "birds will sing anew". This sense of renewal and rebirth is a powerful message, and it reminds us that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope for a brighter tomorrow.
In conclusion, "A Summer Pastoral" is a beautiful and timeless poem that celebrates the joys of summer and the beauty of nature. Through vivid imagery and sensory details, Dunbar transports us to a world of green fields, singing birds, and simple pleasures. At the same time, he reminds us that this world is fleeting, and that we should cherish it while we can. This poem is a powerful reminder of the beauty and fragility of life, and it is a testament to the enduring power of poetry to move and inspire us.
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