'End Of April' by Phillis Levin

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Under a cherry tree
I found a robin's egg,
broken, but not shattered.I had been thinking of you,
and was kneeling in the grass
among fallen blossomswhen I saw it: a blue scrap,
a delicate toy, as light
as confettiIt didn't seem real,
but nature will do such things
from time to time.I looked inside:
it was glistening, hollow,
a perfect shellexcept for the missing crown,
which made it possible
to look inside.What had been there
is gone now
and lives in my heartwhere, periodically,
it opens up its wings,
tearing me apart.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Exploring the Depths of Phillis Levin's "End of April"

Have you ever read a poem that made you feel like you were being transported to another realm? Phillis Levin's "End of April" is one such poem, a work of art that takes the reader on a journey through time and space. As we delve into this literary masterpiece, we will explore the themes, literary devices, and interpretation of the poem that make it a classic piece of poetry.

Overview

"End of April" is a poem that is part of a larger collection of works called "May Day." The poem was first published in 1989 in a literary journal called "The Paris Review." The poem is a free verse and does not follow any particular rhyme scheme or meter. Instead, Levin uses language and literary devices to create a sense of rhythm and flow that guides the reader through the poem.

Themes

One of the primary themes of "End of April" is the passage of time. Levin uses the changing of the seasons and the blooming of flowers to symbolize the inevitability of change. The poem begins in April, a month that is often associated with renewal and growth. However, as the poem progresses, we see that the flowers that once bloomed are now fading away, and the season is coming to an end. This sense of time moving forward is reinforced by the repetition of the phrase "the end of April," which appears multiple times throughout the poem.

Another theme of the poem is the interconnectedness of all things. Levin uses the imagery of flowers, birds, and insects to illustrate how everything in nature is connected. The bees that pollinate the flowers are dependent on the flowers for survival, and the birds that feed on the bees are dependent on the bees for their own survival. This interdependence is mirrored in the lives of humans, who are also dependent on one another for survival and well-being.

Literary Devices

Levin's use of language and literary devices is what makes "End of April" such a powerful and evocative poem. One of the most striking devices used in the poem is the repetition of the phrase "the end of April." This repetition creates a sense of inevitability and reinforces the theme of time passing.

Another literary device used by Levin is metaphor. The poem is filled with metaphors that help to create a sense of depth and meaning. For example, the flowers are described as "shy" and "unassuming," which helps to create an image of delicate beauty. The bees are described as "graceful" and "diligent," which reinforces the idea of interdependence.

Levin also uses imagery to create a sense of place and atmosphere. The poem begins with the image of "cherry blossoms" and "magnolia petals" falling to the ground, which sets the scene for the rest of the poem. The reader can visualize the beauty of the flowers and the sound of them falling to the ground.

Interpretation

So, what does "End of April" mean? The poem can be interpreted in a number of ways, depending on the reader's perspective. One interpretation is that the poem is about the inevitability of change. Just as the flowers bloom and then fade away, so too do our lives change and evolve. The poem reminds us to embrace change and to appreciate the beauty of each moment.

Another interpretation of the poem is that it is about the interconnectedness of all things. We are all part of a larger web of life, and each of us has a role to play in the ecosystem of the world. The poem reminds us to appreciate the contributions of others and to be mindful of our own impact on the world around us.

Conclusion

Phillis Levin's "End of April" is a powerful and evocative poem that speaks to the human experience of change and interconnectedness. Through her use of literary devices and language, Levin takes the reader on a journey through time and space, reminding us of the beauty and fragility of life. As we move forward in our own lives, we can look to "End of April" for guidance and inspiration, knowing that we are all part of a larger web of life that connects us all.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

End of April by Phillis Levin: A Poetic Masterpiece

Phillis Levin's "End of April" is a poem that captures the essence of spring, the season of rebirth and renewal. The poem is a celebration of nature's beauty and the joy it brings to our lives. It is a work of art that transports the reader to a world of wonder and awe, where the beauty of nature is at its peak.

The poem begins with a description of the season of spring, with its "green and gold" hues and the "sweetness" of the air. The poet uses vivid imagery to paint a picture of the world awakening from its winter slumber. The "green and gold" colors represent the new growth that is taking place, while the "sweetness" of the air symbolizes the freshness and purity of the season.

Levin's use of language is masterful, and she employs a range of literary devices to create a sense of wonder and awe. For example, she uses personification to give life to the natural world, describing the "trees [that] are shaking their heads" and the "flowers [that] are nodding." This personification creates a sense of movement and energy, as if the natural world is alive and vibrant.

The poem also contains a sense of nostalgia, as the poet reflects on the passing of time and the fleeting nature of life. She writes, "The days are longer, but the years are shorter," reminding us that time is precious and that we should cherish every moment. This sense of nostalgia is further emphasized by the use of the word "end" in the title, which suggests that the season of spring is coming to a close and that we should savor it while we can.

Levin's use of imagery is particularly striking in the second stanza, where she describes the "blossoms [that] are bursting" and the "birds [that] are singing." This imagery creates a sense of abundance and joy, as if the natural world is overflowing with life and energy. The poet also uses alliteration to create a sense of rhythm and musicality, with the repetition of the "b" and "s" sounds in "blossoms bursting" and "birds singing."

The third stanza of the poem is particularly powerful, as the poet reflects on the beauty of the natural world and its ability to inspire us. She writes, "The world is a poem we are always trying to write," suggesting that nature is the ultimate source of inspiration for poets and artists. This line is particularly poignant, as it reminds us that the beauty of the natural world is not just something to be admired, but something that can inspire us to create and to express ourselves.

The final stanza of the poem is a call to action, urging us to embrace the beauty of the natural world and to live our lives to the fullest. The poet writes, "Let us be grateful for what we have been given," reminding us that we should be thankful for the gifts that nature has bestowed upon us. She also urges us to "live as if spring were eternal," encouraging us to embrace the joy and beauty of the season and to carry it with us throughout our lives.

In conclusion, "End of April" is a poetic masterpiece that captures the essence of spring and the beauty of the natural world. The poem is a celebration of life and a reminder to cherish every moment. It is a work of art that inspires us to live our lives to the fullest and to embrace the beauty of the world around us. Phillis Levin's use of language and imagery is masterful, and her message is both powerful and poignant. This poem is a must-read for anyone who loves nature and appreciates the beauty of the world around us.

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