Poetry Analysis #2

"Poem" by William Carlos Williams
Pg. 340-341 # 291
Devices Used: Structure and Imagery





The "Poem" by William Carlos Williams draws parallels between simple, inane actions, and treacherous journeys, with tentative stanza structure and gentle imagery, to create the illusion of a cat cautiously and wobbly making its way over a jamcloset and into a immensely deep and empty flowerpot. The halting structure of the "Poem" contributes to the cat's air of caution, by breaking up lines every few words; as "carefully/then the hind/stepped down//into the pit". The modest imagery, "climbed over/the top of/the jamcloset" and "into the pit/of the empty/flowerpot", subtly add to the struggle of the cat, as in reality, it would be easy for the cat to step into the flowerpot. Williams also creates the image of that cat itself acting hesitantly, by over exaggerating the slow movements of the cat, such as with "first the right/frontfoot//carefully/then the hind". Overall the timid effect created, contributes to the message conveyed of small actions being great obstacles and meaning to others.

I find the "Poem" by William Carlos Williams quirky and a small wonder. My personal interpretation of the piece is that sometimes you may see someone doing something mundane or of little consequence, however to them, that action may be difficult or important to them.

Well, and I love cats.

Poetry Analysis #1

"Good Times" by Lucille Clifton
Pg. 227 # 209
Devices Used: Repetition and Irony




In "Good Times", Lucille Clifton, utilizing naive repetition and unaffected irony, makes a enlightening statement about how children view struggles. The ironic juxtaposition between the economical struggles and the speaker's remarkable happiness is made clear through the repetition of "good times, good times, good times" following a description of something that is not normally considered a good time. The child is glad that his/her family is together, that is enough. The rent can go unpaid, the electric may only have just turned back on, but it is alright because there is still family. The irony of this is uncanny, as many people would consider a "good time" a period of material prosperity, but this child is happy with bread, family, and "dancing in the kitchen/and singing in the kitchen". The final statement of the poet, "oh children think about the/good times" cements the conclusion of children viewing the world and struggles with untainted gratefulness, viewing with "good times".

I am drawn to this poem, whether it be for the child-like innocence colloquial language, or the quiet and  naive child in me that is grateful for those good times, good times, good times. Maybe, I too strive for those moments where everything may not be smooth, but it is laughter and togetherness. This poem is a reminder to me, for when my steps become unstable and I feel like I cannot find the sun, that I will always have good times.