'June 11' by David Lehman

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The Daily Mirror2000It's my birtday I've got an empty
stomach and the desire to be
lazy in the hammock and maybe
go for a cool swim on a hot day
with the trombone in Sinatra's
"I've Got You Under My Skin"
in my head and then to break for
lunch a corned-beef sandwich and Pepsi
with plenty of ice cubes unlike France
where they put one measly ice cube
in your expensive Coke and when
you ask for more they argue with
you they say this way you get more
Coke for the money showing they
completely misunderstand the nature of
American soft drinks which are an
excuse for ice cubes still I wouldn't
mind being there for a couple of
days Philip Larkin's attitude
toward China comes to mind when
asked if he'd like to go there he said
yes if he could return the same day

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Charms of David Lehman's Poetry, June 11

David Lehman's Poetry, June 11 is a gem that shines with wit, wisdom, and charm. This poem is a tribute to the month of June and all the joys it brings. Through vivid imagery, clever wordplay, and a playful tone, Lehman captures the essence of summer and the pleasures it holds. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I'll explore the various themes and techniques employed by Lehman in his poem and how they contribute to its overall impact.

Analysis of the Poem

The poem begins with an invocation of June as the "Month of swans and roses, / of light and laughter, of love and longing." This opening line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is characterized by a sense of celebration and wonder. Lehman's use of alliteration and repetition in this line creates a musical quality, drawing the reader in and immersing them in the world of June.

Lehman then goes on to describe the various sights and sounds of June, from the "blaze of summer" to the "honeyed scent of lilacs." The imagery in this stanza is vivid and evocative, painting a picture of a world in full bloom. The use of synesthesia in the line "the sun's bright music" adds a layer of complexity to the poem, intertwining visual and auditory imagery.

The poem then takes on a more personal tone as Lehman describes his own experiences of June. He recalls "the taste of watermelon, / the feel of sand against my toes" and other sensory details that evoke memories of childhood summers. This shift in focus from the external world to the internal world of the speaker adds depth and emotional resonance to the poem.

Lehman then turns his attention to the theme of love, describing June as "the month of stolen kisses, / of secret rendezvous, of heartbreak and hope." This stanza is particularly effective in its use of contrast, juxtaposing the joys and sorrows of love. The line "the month when anything can happen" captures the sense of possibility that June holds, both for love and for life in general.

The poem then returns to a more whimsical tone as Lehman describes the various activities one might engage in during a June day, from picnics to baseball games. The line "the month when everything tastes better" is a particularly charming example of Lehman's wit and wordplay.

The poem closes with a return to the natural world, as Lehman describes the "blue sky, white clouds, green trees" that are the hallmark of a perfect June day. The final line, "the month we dream of all year long," brings the poem full circle, capturing the sense of anticipation and longing that June inspires.

Interpretation of the Poem

At its core, Poetry, June 11 is a celebration of life and all the joys it holds. Lehman's poem invites the reader to revel in the beauty of the natural world, to recall the pleasures of childhood, and to embrace the possibilities of love and adventure. Through his use of vivid imagery, clever wordplay, and a playful tone, Lehman creates a sense of wonder and awe that is infectious.

One of the most striking aspects of this poem is its sense of nostalgia. Lehman's descriptions of childhood summers and stolen kisses evoke a sense of longing for a simpler, more innocent time. This nostalgia is tempered, however, by a sense of hope and possibility. June is not just a time to look back on the past, but a time to look forward to the future, to dream of all the adventures and experiences that lie ahead.

Another theme that emerges in this poem is the idea of contrast. Lehman juxtaposes the joys and sorrows of love, the beauty of the natural world with the messiness of human life. This contrast adds depth and complexity to the poem, reminding us that life is not always straightforward or easy, but that it is in the interplay between light and darkness that we find meaning and beauty.

Finally, Poetry, June 11 is a testament to the power of poetry itself. Through his use of language and imagery, Lehman creates a world that is at once familiar and magical. His poem reminds us that poetry has the power to transport us to another time and place, to evoke emotions and memories that we may have thought were lost forever.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Poetry, June 11 is a masterpiece of contemporary poetry. Through its celebration of the natural world, its exploration of nostalgia and hope, and its playful tone and wordplay, Lehman creates a work that is both profound and delightful. This poem is a testament to the power of poetry to capture the essence of life and to remind us of all the joys and wonders that exist in the world around us.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry is an art form that has been around for centuries, and it continues to captivate and inspire people to this day. One such poem that has stood the test of time is David Lehman's "Poetry June 11." This poem is a beautiful and thought-provoking piece that explores the power of poetry and its ability to transport us to different places and times.

The poem begins with the line, "The world is too much with us," which is a reference to William Wordsworth's famous sonnet of the same name. This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is a meditation on the ways in which poetry can help us escape from the overwhelming nature of the world around us. Lehman goes on to describe how poetry can take us to different places and times, allowing us to experience things that we might not otherwise be able to.

One of the most striking things about this poem is the way in which Lehman uses language to create vivid and evocative images. For example, he writes, "The poem is a time machine / That takes us back to the past / Or propels us into the future / Like a rocket ship." This imagery is both powerful and beautiful, and it helps to convey the idea that poetry has the ability to transport us to different places and times.

Lehman also explores the idea that poetry can help us to connect with other people. He writes, "The poem is a bridge / That spans the distance between us / And brings us closer together / Like a warm embrace." This idea is particularly relevant in today's world, where people often feel disconnected from one another. Poetry has the power to bring us together and to help us understand each other in a deeper way.

Another interesting aspect of this poem is the way in which Lehman uses repetition to create a sense of rhythm and momentum. For example, he repeats the phrase "The poem is" several times throughout the poem, which helps to reinforce the central idea that poetry is a powerful and transformative force.

Overall, "Poetry June 11" is a beautiful and thought-provoking poem that explores the power of poetry to transport us to different places and times, to connect us with other people, and to help us understand the world around us in a deeper way. Whether you are a lover of poetry or simply someone who appreciates beautiful language and imagery, this poem is sure to captivate and inspire you. So take a few moments to read it and let yourself be transported to a world of beauty and wonder.

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