'Shoveling Snow With Buddha' by Billy Collins
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In the usual iconography of the temple or the local Wok
you would never see him doing such a thing,
tossing the dry snow over a mountain
of his bare, round shoulder,
his hair tied in a knot,
a model of concentration.
Sitting is more his speed, if that is the word
for what he does, or does not do.
Even the season is wrong for him.
In all his manifestations, is it not warm or slightly humid?
Is this not implied by his serene expression,
that smile so wide it wraps itself around the waist of the universe?
But here we are, working our way down the driveway,
one shovelful at a time.
We toss the light powder into the clear air.
We feel the cold mist on our faces.
And with every heave we disappear
and become lost to each other
in these sudden clouds of our own making,
these fountain-bursts of snow.
This is so much better than a sermon in church,
I say out loud, but Buddha keeps on shoveling.
This is the true religion, the religion of snow,
and sunlight and winter geese barking in the sky,
I say, but he is too busy to hear me.
He has thrown himself into shoveling snow
as if it were the purpose of existence,
as if the sign of a perfect life were a clear driveway
you could back the car down easily
and drive off into the vanities of the world
with a broken heater fan and a song on the radio.
All morning long we work side by side,
me with my commentary
and he inside his generous pocket of silence,
until the hour is nearly noon
and the snow is piled high all around us;
then, I hear him speak.
After this, he asks,
can we go inside and play cards?
Certainly, I reply, and I will heat some milk
and bring cups of hot chocolate to the table
while you shuffle the deck.
and our boots stand dripping by the door.
Aaah, says the Buddha, lifting his eyes
and leaning for a moment on his shovel
before he drives the thin blade again
deep into the glittering white snow.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Shoveling Snow With Buddha: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Billy Collins is known for his witty and relatable poetry, and "Shoveling Snow with Buddha" is no exception. This poem tells the story of the speaker shoveling snow with Buddha, a metaphorical representation of finding inner peace and mindfulness in everyday tasks. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the themes, symbols, and language used in this poem to uncover the deeper meaning behind Collins' words.
Analysis of Themes
The themes of "Shoveling Snow with Buddha" are centered around the idea of finding mindfulness in everyday life. The speaker and Buddha are shoveling snow together, and the act of shoveling snow becomes a metaphor for life's mundane tasks. The poem suggests that even the most tedious of tasks can be transformed into something meaningful and peaceful when approached with mindfulness.
The poem also explores the idea of seeking enlightenment, as represented by Buddha. The speaker is seeking a higher understanding of life and spirituality, and he finds it in the simple act of shoveling snow with Buddha. This suggests that enlightenment is not something that can only be found in a temple or through years of meditation but can be found in the most unexpected places.
Analysis of Symbols
The symbol of snow is used throughout the poem to represent the difficulties and challenges of life. The snow is described as "heavy" and "wet," making it difficult to move. This symbolizes the obstacles and challenges that the speaker and Buddha must face in life. However, the snow also represents the opportunity for growth and change. As the speaker and Buddha shovel the snow, they are creating a path, which symbolizes a new beginning and the potential for transformation.
Buddha is also a powerful symbol in the poem. He represents enlightenment and the search for spiritual understanding. Buddha is often associated with meditation and mindfulness, and his presence in the poem suggests that the speaker is seeking a higher understanding of life. The fact that the speaker is shoveling snow with Buddha shows that he is seeking enlightenment not just through meditation but also through everyday tasks.
Analysis of Language
Collins' use of language is key in creating the mood and tone of the poem. The language is simple and straightforward, which emphasizes the idea that even the most mundane tasks can be transformed into something meaningful. The language is also filled with sensory details, which makes the reader feel as if they are shoveling snow with the speaker and Buddha.
The tone of the poem is peaceful and meditative. The speaker is not rushed or frantic but rather calm and present in the moment. The use of repetition in the poem, such as "I glanced up" and "the Buddha himself" creates a rhythmic quality that mimics the act of shoveling snow. This repetition also reinforces the idea that the speaker is finding peace and mindfulness in the repetitive task of shoveling snow.
Interpretation
"Shoveling Snow with Buddha" can be interpreted in a number of ways. One interpretation is that the poem is a call to mindfulness in everyday life. The poem suggests that even the most tedious tasks can be transformed into something meaningful if we approach them with mindfulness and presence.
Another interpretation is that the poem is a commentary on the pursuit of enlightenment. The speaker is seeking a higher understanding of life and spirituality, and he finds it in the simple act of shoveling snow with Buddha. This suggests that enlightenment is not something that can only be found through meditation or years of study but can be found in everyday tasks.
Finally, the poem can be interpreted as a commentary on the human experience. The snow symbolizes the difficulties and challenges of life, but it also represents the potential for growth and change. By shoveling the snow, the speaker and Buddha are creating a path, which symbolizes a new beginning and the potential for transformation. This interpretation suggests that even in the face of adversity, there is always the potential for growth and change.
Conclusion
"Shoveling Snow with Buddha" is a powerful poem that explores the themes of mindfulness, enlightenment, and the human experience. Through the use of symbols, language, and tone, Collins creates a meditative poem that encourages the reader to find peace and mindfulness in the most unexpected places. Whether you are seeking spiritual enlightenment or simply looking for a way to find meaning in the mundane tasks of life, "Shoveling Snow with Buddha" is a poem that will resonate with readers for years to come.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Shoveling Snow With Buddha: A Poem of Mindfulness and Connection
Billy Collins' poem "Shoveling Snow With Buddha" is a beautiful and thought-provoking piece that explores the themes of mindfulness, connection, and the beauty of the present moment. In this 2000-word analysis, we will delve deep into the poem's meaning, structure, and language, and explore how it speaks to us in our modern world.
The poem begins with a simple and relatable scene: the speaker is shoveling snow in his driveway, and he is joined by the figure of Buddha. This unexpected encounter sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as it invites us to look at the mundane task of shoveling snow in a new light. The speaker describes how he and Buddha work together, "side by side," and how they "push the heavy snow / off to the sides of the driveway."
The first stanza of the poem sets up the contrast between the speaker's mundane task and the spiritual presence of Buddha. The speaker is engaged in a physical activity that is often seen as a chore, while Buddha represents a higher state of consciousness and enlightenment. However, the two are brought together in a harmonious way, as they work together to clear the snow.
The second stanza of the poem deepens this contrast, as the speaker describes how he and Buddha "stop and lean on our shovels / and look out on the empty street." Here, the speaker is taking a moment to pause and reflect on the beauty of the present moment, while Buddha represents the wisdom and insight that comes from mindfulness and meditation. The empty street represents a moment of stillness and quiet, a moment to appreciate the beauty of the world around us.
The third stanza of the poem brings in the theme of connection, as the speaker describes how he and Buddha "nod and greet / those who drive by, / shouting out to them / waving our shovels like flags." Here, the speaker is acknowledging the importance of community and connection, even in the midst of a mundane task like shoveling snow. By waving their shovels like flags, the speaker and Buddha are inviting others to join in the task, to connect with them in a shared experience.
The fourth stanza of the poem brings in the theme of impermanence, as the speaker describes how "the car lights scoop in / and lay their bright shapes / on the dark, snowy lawn." Here, the speaker is acknowledging the fleeting nature of life, and how even the brightest moments are temporary. The car lights represent a moment of illumination, a moment of clarity, but they are quickly gone, leaving only darkness behind.
The final stanza of the poem brings all of these themes together, as the speaker describes how he and Buddha "resume our labor, / stripping the walkway bare, / until the blinding sun / shines on our work." Here, the speaker is acknowledging the importance of hard work and perseverance, even in the face of impermanence and uncertainty. By working together, the speaker and Buddha are able to create something beautiful and lasting, something that will be illuminated by the light of the sun.
Throughout the poem, Collins uses language that is simple and direct, yet rich with meaning. He uses metaphors and imagery to convey complex ideas in a way that is accessible and relatable. For example, the image of the speaker and Buddha "leaning on their shovels" is a powerful metaphor for the importance of taking a moment to pause and reflect, even in the midst of a busy day. The image of the car lights "scooping in" and laying their shapes on the snowy lawn is a beautiful and evocative way of describing the fleeting nature of life.
Overall, "Shoveling Snow With Buddha" is a beautiful and thought-provoking poem that speaks to us in our modern world. It reminds us of the importance of mindfulness, connection, and hard work, and it invites us to look at the world around us in a new light. Whether we are shoveling snow, or engaged in any other mundane task, we can find beauty and meaning in the present moment, if we only take the time to look.
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