'To England' by Richard Brautigan

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Shake the Kaleidoscopeanthology, 1973There are no postage stamps that send letters
back to England three centuries ago,
no postage stamps that make letters
travel back until the grave hasn't been dug yet,
and John Donne stands looking out the window,
it is just beginning to rain this April morning,
and the birds are falling into the trees
like chess pieces into an unplayed game,
and John Donne sees the postman coming up the street,
the postman walks very carefully because his cane
is made of glass.

Editor 1 Interpretation

A Journey Through Richard Brautigan's "To England"

"To England" by Richard Brautigan is a captivating piece of poetry that takes readers on a journey through time and space. It is a poem that is both nostalgic and melancholic, weaving together themes of love, loss, and longing.

At its core, "To England" is a poem about a man who is missing someone or something that he has left behind. It is a poem about the power of memory and the way that it can transport us back to places and times that we have long since left behind. As the speaker in the poem reflects on his time in England, he is transported back to the people and places that he loved and lost.

The first stanza of the poem sets the tone for the rest of the piece. It is a simple stanza, consisting of just two lines: "I'm in love with the Queen of England / And the sun is shining bright."

These two lines are deceptively simple, but they are also incredibly powerful. In just a few words, Brautigan manages to convey a sense of longing and nostalgia. The speaker is in love with the Queen of England, but she is not with him. He is separated from her, and the sun is shining bright, mocking him with its cheerfulness.

The second stanza of the poem is longer and more detailed than the first. It describes the speaker's memories of England and the people that he met there. He remembers the pubs, the countryside, and the people he met. He remembers the laughter and the love that he shared with them.

In this stanza, Brautigan uses a series of vivid images to convey the speaker's memories. He describes the "red buses and the black cabs" that he saw on the streets of London, and he talks about the "green hills and the grey skies" of the countryside. These images are simple, but they are also incredibly evocative. They transport the reader back to England, to a time and a place that is both familiar and distant.

The third stanza of the poem is where Brautigan really hits his stride. It is a deeply emotional stanza that is filled with longing and loss. It describes the speaker's feelings of sadness and regret as he looks back on his time in England. He remembers the people that he loved and lost, and he wishes that he could go back to the way things were.

One of the most striking lines in this stanza is "I wish that I could go back to England / But I don't know how." This line perfectly captures the sense of helplessness and despair that the speaker feels. He knows that he can never go back to the way things were, and he is filled with sadness at the thought.

The final stanza of the poem is a continuation of the third. It describes the speaker's attempts to move on from his memories of England. He tries to forget the people and the places that he loved, but he finds that he cannot. The memories are too strong, and they continue to haunt him.

In the end, the speaker resigns himself to his memories. He knows that he can never go back to England, but he also knows that he will never forget the people and the places that he loved there. The memories will always be a part of him, and he will carry them with him wherever he goes.

In conclusion, "To England" by Richard Brautigan is a haunting and beautiful poem. It is a poem about memory and the power that it holds over us. It is a poem about love and loss, and the way that they can shape our lives. If you haven't read it yet, I highly recommend that you do. You won't be disappointed.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry To England: A Masterpiece of Richard Brautigan

Richard Brautigan, the American poet and novelist, is known for his unique style of writing that blends humor, surrealism, and melancholy. His works often explore the complexities of human relationships, the beauty of nature, and the absurdity of modern life. One of his most celebrated poems, "Poetry To England," is a masterpiece that captures the essence of his literary genius.

The poem, which was first published in 1967, is a tribute to the English poets who have influenced Brautigan's writing. It is a reflection on the power of poetry to transcend time and space, to connect people across cultures and generations, and to inspire creativity and imagination. The poem is divided into three stanzas, each of which explores a different aspect of the relationship between poetry and England.

The first stanza begins with a simple and direct statement: "Poetry to England." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is a celebration of the enduring legacy of English poetry. Brautigan acknowledges the debt he owes to the great English poets, such as William Shakespeare, John Keats, and William Wordsworth, who have inspired him to write. He recognizes their contribution to the world of literature and their influence on generations of writers who have followed in their footsteps.

The second stanza is a more personal reflection on the role of poetry in Brautigan's life. He describes how poetry has been a constant companion, a source of comfort and inspiration, and a way of connecting with the world around him. He writes, "Poetry is my friend, my lover, my companion, my guide." This line captures the intimate relationship that Brautigan has with poetry, and the profound impact it has had on his life.

The third and final stanza is a call to action, a challenge to the reader to embrace the power of poetry and to use it to create a better world. Brautigan writes, "Let us make poetry to England, to the world, to ourselves." This line is a reminder that poetry is not just a form of entertainment or self-expression, but a tool for social change and transformation. It is a call to use poetry to challenge the status quo, to question authority, and to imagine a better future.

The poem is a testament to Brautigan's mastery of language and his ability to convey complex ideas in a simple and direct manner. The use of repetition, alliteration, and metaphor creates a musical quality that enhances the emotional impact of the poem. The poem is also notable for its use of imagery, which evokes the beauty and majesty of England's natural landscape. The lines "The hills of England are green and rolling, / The rivers of England are clear and flowing" are particularly memorable, as they capture the essence of England's pastoral beauty.

In conclusion, "Poetry To England" is a masterpiece of modern poetry that captures the essence of Richard Brautigan's literary genius. It is a celebration of the enduring legacy of English poetry, a personal reflection on the role of poetry in Brautigan's life, and a call to action to use poetry to create a better world. The poem is a testament to the power of language to inspire, to connect, and to transform, and it remains a timeless tribute to the beauty and majesty of English poetry.

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