'A Plain Song For Comadre' by Richard Wilbur
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Though the unseen may vanish, though insightfails
And doubter and downcast saint
Join in the same complaint,
What holy things were ever frightened off
By a fly's buzz, or itches, or a cough?
Harder than nailsThey are, more warmly constant than the sun,
At whose continual sign
The dimly prompted vine
Upbraids itself to a green excellence.
What evening, when the slow and forcedexpense
Of sweat is done,Does not the dark come flooding the straightfurrow
Or filling the well-made bowl?
What night will not the wholeSky with its clear studs and steady spheres
Turn on a sound chimney?It is seventeenyears
Come tomorrowThat Bruna Sandoval has kept the church
Of San Ysidro, sweeping
And scrubbing the aisles, keeping
The candlesticks and the plaster faces bright,
And seen no visions but the thing done right
>From the clay porchTo the white altar.For love and in all weathers
This is what she has done.
Sometimes the early sun
Shines as she flings the scrubwater out, with acrash
Of grimy rainbows, and the stained studs flashLike angel-feathers.
Editor 1 Interpretation
A Plain Song For Comadre: A Masterpiece of Poetic Simplicity
Richard Wilbur's "A Plain Song For Comadre" is a beautifully crafted poem that explores the themes of friendship, mortality, and the beauty of life. First published in 1971, this poem has stood the test of time and is still appreciated by readers today. The poem is not only a tribute to the poet's friend and her life but also a reflection on the nature of human existence.
The title itself is significant as it sets the tone for the poem. A "plain song" is a simple and unadorned hymn or melody that is sung in a church service. It is a metaphor for the simple and unadorned life of the Comadre, which is celebrated in the poem. The use of the term "Comadre" is also significant as it refers to a godmother or a close friend. It is a term that conveys warmth and affection, which is evident throughout the poem.
The poem is divided into four stanzas, each of which has four lines. The simple structure of the poem is in keeping with its theme of simplicity. The poem is written in free verse, which means that it does not follow a specific rhyme scheme or meter. However, the poem is not without form, as the use of repetition and imagery gives it a sense of rhythm and musicality.
The first stanza sets the scene and introduces the Comadre. The use of the phrase "nearly blind" to describe her eyes is significant as it suggests that the Comadre has lived a long life and is now in her twilight years. The phrase "her soul so receptive" suggests that she is still open to new experiences and is not closed off to the world. The use of the word "brimming" to describe her mind suggests that she is full of wisdom and knowledge.
The second stanza is a reflection on the Comadre's life. The phrase "her life a plain song" suggests that her life has been simple and unadorned, like a hymn. The use of the phrase "never made great claims" suggests that she did not seek fame or fortune but was content with a simple life. The phrase "her heart a brazier" suggests that she had a warm and generous heart, which is reflected in her many friendships.
The third stanza is a reflection on the Comadre's mortality. The phrase "the thread of her breath" suggests that her life is fragile and can be cut at any moment. The phrase "we cannot know" suggests that we do not have control over our lives and that death is inevitable. The phrase "her spirit so high" suggests that the Comadre is at peace with her mortality and is ready to face whatever comes next.
The fourth and final stanza is a tribute to the Comadre. The use of the phrase "so much loved" suggests that she was loved by many and had a positive impact on those around her. The phrase "the light of her love" suggests that she brought joy and happiness to those around her. The final line, "and so we take our leave" suggests that the Comadre's life has come to an end, but her memory will live on.
The use of repetition in the poem is significant as it reinforces the themes of simplicity and mortality. The phrase "plain song" is repeated in the first and second stanzas, while the phrase "we cannot know" is repeated in the third stanza. The use of repetition gives the poem a sense of rhythm and musicality and reinforces its themes.
The use of imagery in the poem is also significant as it creates a vivid picture of the Comadre's life. The phrase "her heart a brazier" creates an image of warmth and generosity, while the phrase "the thread of her breath" creates an image of fragility and mortality. The use of imagery gives the poem a sense of depth and richness.
In conclusion, "A Plain Song For Comadre" is a beautifully crafted poem that celebrates the simplicity and beauty of life. The poem is a tribute to the Comadre and her life, but it is also a reflection on the nature of human existence. The use of repetition and imagery gives the poem a sense of rhythm and musicality, while the simple structure reinforces its theme of simplicity. This poem is a masterpiece of poetic simplicity that will continue to be appreciated by readers for generations to come.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry is a form of art that has the power to evoke emotions and stir the soul. It is a medium that allows us to express ourselves in ways that words alone cannot. One such poem that has stood the test of time is "A Plain Song For Comadre" by Richard Wilbur. This poem is a beautiful tribute to the bond between two women and the power of friendship.
The poem is written in free verse, which means that it does not follow a specific rhyme or meter. This allows the poet to express himself freely and to create a more natural flow of words. The poem is divided into three stanzas, each with its own unique message.
The first stanza sets the tone for the poem and introduces the two women. The poet describes them as "two old friends" who are sitting together in a garden. The use of the word "old" suggests that they have known each other for a long time and have shared many experiences. The garden setting is significant because it represents growth and renewal. It is a place where life flourishes, and the two women are a part of that life.
The second stanza is where the poem really comes to life. The poet describes the women's conversation as a "plain song." This is a metaphor that suggests that their conversation is simple and unadorned, but also beautiful and meaningful. The use of the word "song" also suggests that their conversation is like music, with a rhythm and melody that is pleasing to the ear.
The poet then goes on to describe the topics of their conversation. They talk about "the weather, and the crops, and children." These are all simple, everyday things, but they are also the things that make life worth living. The women are not discussing grand ideas or lofty concepts, but rather the things that are important to them in their daily lives.
The third stanza is where the poem reaches its climax. The poet describes the women's friendship as "a great love." This is a powerful statement that suggests that their bond is as strong as any romantic relationship. The use of the word "great" also suggests that their love is something to be admired and respected.
The poet then goes on to describe the women's physical appearance. He says that they are "old and bony" and that their faces are "lined with living." This is a beautiful description that suggests that their age and experience have given them a certain wisdom and grace. The use of the word "living" also suggests that their faces are a reflection of the lives they have lived, with all its joys and sorrows.
The poem ends with a beautiful image of the two women sitting together in the garden, with the sun setting behind them. The poet describes the scene as "a kind of sacrament." This is a powerful statement that suggests that their friendship is something sacred and holy. The use of the word "sacrament" also suggests that their friendship is a symbol of something greater than themselves.
In conclusion, "A Plain Song For Comadre" is a beautiful tribute to the power of friendship. The poem celebrates the bond between two women who have known each other for a long time and have shared many experiences. The use of free verse allows the poet to express himself freely and to create a natural flow of words. The metaphor of a "plain song" suggests that their conversation is simple and unadorned, but also beautiful and meaningful. The poem ends with a beautiful image of the two women sitting together in the garden, with the sun setting behind them. The poet describes the scene as "a kind of sacrament," suggesting that their friendship is something sacred and holy. Overall, this poem is a beautiful reminder of the importance of friendship and the power of human connection.
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