'Next Time' by Mary Oliver
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Next time what I'd do is look at
the earth before saying anything. I'd stop
just before going into a house
and be an emperor for a minute
and listen better to the wind
or to the air being still.
When anyone talked to me, whether
blame or praise or just passing time,
I'd watch the face, how the mouth
has to work, and see any strain, any
sign of what lifted the voice.
And for all, I'd know more -- the earth
bracing itself and soaring, the air
finding every leaf and feather over
forest and water, and for every person
the body glowing inside the clothes
like a light.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Next Time by Mary Oliver: A Deep Dive into Life's Transience
Mary Oliver's "Next Time" is a poem that captures the fleeting nature of life and the inevitability of death. In this 14-line poem, the Pulitzer Prize-winning poet invites us to contemplate the impermanence of all things and the importance of living in the moment. The poem's simple yet profound language, striking imagery, and thought-provoking themes make it one of Oliver's most powerful works. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the various ways in which Oliver uses language, imagery, and structure to convey her message about the transience of life.
Poem Summary
Before we dive into the specifics of the poem, let us first summarize its content. "Next Time" is a short poem consisting of two stanzas. In the first stanza, Oliver describes a scene of natural beauty, with "the forest opening like a flower" and the sun "pouring down its light" on the world. In the second stanza, she reflects on the temporary nature of this beauty and suggests that we should cherish it while it lasts:
Next time
what I'd do is look at
the earth before saying anything. I'd stop
just before going into a house
and be an emperor for a minute
and listen better to the wind
or to the air being still.
When anyone talked to me, whether
blame or praise or just passing time,
I'd watch the face, how the mouth
has to work, and see any strain, any
sign of what lifted the voice.
And for all, I'd know more—the earth
bracing itself and soaring, the air
finding every leaf and feather over
forest and water, and for every person
the body glowing inside the clothes
like a light.
Oliver suggests that in the future, she will pay closer attention to the world around her, taking time to appreciate its beauty and the people in it. The poem ends on an existential note, with Oliver acknowledging that everything is temporary and that we should make the most of the time we have:
But what I want should not be confused
with total inaction. Life is what it is about;
I want no truck with death.
If we were not so single-minded
about keeping our lives moving,
and for once could do nothing,
perhaps a huge silence
might interrupt this sadness
of never understanding ourselves
and of threatening ourselves with death.
Themes
At its core, "Next Time" is a meditation on the transience of life and the importance of living in the moment. Oliver's poem encourages us to slow down and appreciate the beauty of the world around us, to take time to listen to the wind and watch the faces of those we encounter. By doing so, we can find meaning and purpose in our lives, even in the face of death.
Another major theme of the poem is the idea of impermanence. Oliver uses imagery of nature to illustrate this theme, describing the forest opening "like a flower" and the sun "pouring down its light" on the world. These images emphasize the fleeting nature of beauty and remind us that everything is temporary. The poem suggests that we should not take the world around us for granted, as it will not always be there.
Finally, "Next Time" touches on the concept of mortality. The poem acknowledges that death is inevitable, but it also suggests that we can find solace and meaning in the face of this fact. By appreciating the world and the people in it, we can find a sense of purpose and fulfillment even in the face of our own mortality.
Imagery
Oliver's use of imagery in "Next Time" is one of the poem's most striking features. Throughout the poem, she uses vivid descriptions of nature to illustrate the transience of life and the importance of living in the moment. For example, in the first stanza, she describes the forest opening "like a flower," using a simile to emphasize the fleeting beauty of nature. She also describes the sun "pouring down its light" on the world, using personification to give the sun a sense of agency.
In the second stanza, Oliver shifts her focus to the people around her. She describes the body "glowing inside the clothes / like a light," using a metaphor to suggest that each person is filled with an inner radiance. She also suggests that she will pay closer attention to the faces of those she encounters, watching for "any strain, any / sign of what lifted the voice." In doing so, she emphasizes the importance of human connection and empathy.
Language
The language of "Next Time" is simple and straightforward, yet it is also deeply contemplative and reflective. Oliver's use of language is one of the poem's greatest strengths, as she is able to convey complex ideas and emotions with just a few well-chosen words.
One example of this is in the line "I want no truck with death." This simple phrase conveys a sense of defiance and determination, as Oliver asserts her desire to live life to the fullest. Another example is in the line "the body glowing inside the clothes / like a light." Here, Oliver's use of metaphor creates a vivid image of the inner radiance that she sees in each person.
Structure
The structure of "Next Time" is simple, with just two stanzas of approximately equal length. However, the poem's structure is still significant, as it emphasizes the poem's themes of transience and impermanence. By dividing the poem into two stanzas, Oliver creates a sense of separation and distance between the two sections. This separation underscores the idea that everything is temporary and that we should appreciate the beauty of the world while we can.
Additionally, the poem's short length contributes to its impact. By packing so much meaning into a few short lines, Oliver creates a sense of urgency and importance. The brevity of the poem also reinforces its message that life is fleeting and that we should make the most of the time we have.
Conclusion
Mary Oliver's "Next Time" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that encourages us to appreciate the beauty of the world around us and the people in it. Through her use of language, imagery, and structure, Oliver conveys the idea that life is transient and that we should make the most of the time we have. The poem's themes of impermanence, mortality, and human connection are as relevant today as they were when Oliver wrote the poem over 40 years ago. "Next Time" is a testament to the enduring power of poetry to speak to the human experience and to inspire us to live our lives with purpose and meaning.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Next Time by Mary Oliver: A Poem of Hope and Renewal
Mary Oliver, one of the most celebrated poets of our time, has gifted us with a beautiful poem titled "Next Time." This poem is a powerful reminder of the cyclical nature of life and the hope that comes with each new beginning. In this article, we will analyze and explain the poem in detail, exploring its themes, literary devices, and the emotions it evokes.
The Poem
Next time what I'd do is look at the earth before saying anything. I'd stop just before going into a house and be an emperor for a minute and listen better to the wind or to the air being still.
When anyone talked to me, whether blame or praise or just passing time, I'd watch the face, how the mouth has to work, and see any strain, any sign of what lifted the voice.
And for all, I've learned, it's true, the eyes, in their anguish, turn away. When I was sure I had everything I wanted, I'd send a shout out to all directions, Thank you, for this wild ride.
Themes
The poem "Next Time" explores several themes, including mindfulness, empathy, gratitude, and renewal. The speaker of the poem reflects on what they would do differently if they had the chance to live their life again. They would be more mindful of their surroundings, paying attention to the earth, the wind, and the air. They would also be more empathetic towards others, observing their faces and listening to their voices. The speaker acknowledges that even when they thought they had everything they wanted, there was still room for gratitude and appreciation for the wild ride of life.
Literary Devices
Mary Oliver's use of literary devices in "Next Time" adds depth and meaning to the poem. The poem is written in free verse, with no set rhyme or meter, allowing the words to flow naturally and reflect the organic nature of life. The use of enjambment, where a sentence or phrase continues onto the next line, creates a sense of movement and fluidity. For example, in the first stanza, the line "I'd stop / just before going into a house" is enjambed, emphasizing the pause before entering a new space.
Oliver also uses imagery to create vivid pictures in the reader's mind. The line "I'd be an emperor for a minute" conjures up an image of someone standing tall and regal, taking in their surroundings with a sense of power and authority. The use of personification, where human qualities are given to non-human things, is also present in the poem. The wind and air are given the ability to speak, adding a sense of magic and wonder to the poem.
Emotions
"Next Time" evokes a range of emotions in the reader, from contemplation to hope to gratitude. The poem encourages us to reflect on our own lives and consider what we would do differently if we had the chance. It reminds us to be present in the moment, to pay attention to our surroundings and the people around us. The poem also offers hope and renewal, suggesting that even when we think we have everything we want, there is still room for gratitude and appreciation.
Conclusion
"Next Time" is a beautiful and thought-provoking poem that invites us to reflect on our lives and consider what we would do differently if we had the chance. Mary Oliver's use of literary devices creates a sense of movement and fluidity, while the themes of mindfulness, empathy, gratitude, and renewal add depth and meaning to the poem. Ultimately, "Next Time" offers hope and a reminder that even when we think we have everything we want, there is still room for gratitude and appreciation for the wild ride of life.
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