'Wish' by W.S. Merwin
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The star in my
Hand is falling
All the uniforms know what's no use
May I bow to Necessity not
To her hirelings
Editor 1 Interpretation
A Wish for Analysis: Exploring the Depths of W.S. Merwin's Poem
Are you searching for a poem that captures the essence of hope and despair, joy and sorrow, and everything in between? Then look no further than W.S. Merwin's "Wish." This poem is a masterful work of art that delves into the complexities of human emotion and the pursuit of happiness. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the themes, literary devices, and historical context of "Wish."
Overview
"Wish" is a 16-line poem that was first published in 1971 in Merwin's collection, "The Carrier of Ladders." The poem is written in free verse, meaning that it does not follow a strict rhyme scheme or meter. Despite this lack of structure, the poem flows smoothly and beautifully, thanks to the poet's use of repetition, imagery, and symbolism.
The poem begins with the speaker stating their desire to "sink with all this matter" and "become the earth." They long for the simplicity and stability of the natural world, where there is no need for the complexities of human emotion. However, the speaker is also aware of the beauty and wonder of the human experience, and they wish to be a part of it as well.
Themes
At its core, "Wish" is a poem about the human desire for connection and belonging. The speaker longs to be a part of the earth and to experience the beauty of nature, but they also recognize the importance of human relationships and the joys and pains that come with them.
The poem also touches on themes of mortality and the impermanence of life. The speaker's desire to become one with the earth is a reflection of their acceptance of their own mortality and the knowledge that all things must come to an end.
Literary Devices
One of the most prominent literary devices used in "Wish" is repetition. The repetition of the phrase "I wish" throughout the poem emphasizes the speaker's desires and highlights the central theme of the poem. The repetition of the word "matter" also serves to connect the speaker to the natural world and to emphasize their desire to become one with it.
The poem also makes use of vivid imagery to paint a picture of the speaker's desires. The lines "I wish to have the bird's familiar wings / and to have the trees look at me / as something worth knowing." create a beautiful image of the speaker longing to be a part of the natural world and to be accepted by it.
Finally, the poem makes use of symbolism to convey its themes. The speaker's desire to become one with the earth symbolizes their acceptance of their own mortality and their desire for stability and simplicity. The bird's wings and the trees represent the beauty and wonder of the natural world, as well as the speaker's desire to be a part of it.
Historical Context
"Wish" was published at a time of great social and cultural change in America. The 1960s had seen the rise of counterculture movements, protests against the Vietnam War, and a growing awareness of environmental issues. Merwin's poem can be seen as a reflection of these trends, as the speaker longs to be a part of the natural world and to reject the complexities of modern society.
The poem can also be seen as a reflection of Merwin's own life and experiences. Merwin was a well-known environmental activist and conservationist, and his poetry often reflects his deep connection to nature and his concern for the state of the planet.
Interpretation
So what is the meaning of "Wish"? Ultimately, the poem is about the human desire for connection and belonging. The speaker longs to be a part of the natural world and to experience its beauty and wonder, but they also recognize the importance of human relationships and the complexities of human emotion.
At the same time, the poem is a reflection of the impermanence of life and the acceptance of mortality. The speaker's desire to become one with the earth is a recognition of the fact that all things must come to an end, and that the natural world offers a sense of stability and simplicity that is lacking in human society.
Overall, "Wish" is a beautiful and thought-provoking poem that explores the depths of human emotion and the complexities of the human experience. It is a testament to Merwin's skill as a poet and his deep connection to the natural world.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
W.S. Merwin's poem "Wish" is a beautiful and thought-provoking piece of literature that explores the human desire for fulfillment and the power of imagination. In this 14-line poem, Merwin takes us on a journey through the mind of a person who is longing for something more in life, and who turns to the power of wishing to make their dreams come true.
The poem begins with the speaker stating their wish: "I wish I could remember that first day, / First hour, first moment of your meeting me." This opening line immediately draws the reader in, as we are left wondering who the speaker is addressing and what their relationship is. The use of the word "remember" suggests that this meeting was significant to the speaker, and that they are struggling to recall the details of it.
As the poem continues, we learn more about the speaker's wish. They long to "retrace, step by step, the entire pathway / Of our past, and mend every broken strand." This desire to go back in time and fix the mistakes of the past is a common human desire, and one that many of us can relate to. The use of the word "broken" suggests that there are things in the speaker's past that they regret, and that they wish they could change.
The next few lines of the poem are particularly powerful, as the speaker begins to explore the power of wishing. They state that they wish they could "wish no wishes," and that they could "vanish away, / Suspended under the basin of the sky." These lines suggest that the speaker is tired of wishing for things, and that they long for a sense of freedom and release from the burden of desire. The use of the word "vanish" suggests that the speaker wants to disappear completely, and that they are willing to give up everything in order to achieve this sense of freedom.
However, the poem takes a surprising turn in the final few lines, as the speaker acknowledges the power of wishing to bring about change. They state that they wish they could "wish for nothing more than what I have," and that they could "be sure, never to wish for anything again." These lines suggest that the speaker has come to a place of acceptance and contentment, and that they have realized that the power of wishing lies not in the fulfillment of desires, but in the ability to appreciate what one already has.
Overall, "Wish" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the human desire for fulfillment and the power of imagination. Through the use of vivid imagery and powerful language, Merwin takes us on a journey through the mind of a person who is longing for something more in life, and who turns to the power of wishing to make their dreams come true. The poem ultimately suggests that true happiness and contentment lie not in the fulfillment of desires, but in the ability to appreciate what one already has.
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