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Poet: William Carlos Williams
Poem: This Is Just To Say
Comment 79 of 79, added on March 28th, 2008 at 10:27 PM.
It is difficult to analyze Though as Blake suggested, we may be able “to see a world in a grain of sand” I don’t think we can discuss the quality of Williams’ marriage on the evidence of a single poem. I realize it is difficult to analyze something as intimate as poetry, especially Williams’ poetry, without bringing along some of our own personal baggage. Yet I believe it is important to try and take his words at face value. To my understanding, William Carlos Williams wanted most of all for us to see how every-day life and language is laden with beauty and richness. Perhaps I missed the poem where he tells how sad he is in his loveless marriage. What do we know if their relationship? Have we considered how his life as a physician impacts his poetry?
When I read this poem (out loud) I picture the Doctor called away before dawn, trying to get something to eat before heading off to the sickbed of some child. Does he wake his wife so she may prepare him breakfast? He does not. Does he snatch her breakfast and leave her nothing in return? Look again. He has left her the vivid image of his pleasure in the plums. He has asked for her forgiveness. He has left her a note, speaking of his actions… and his acceptance of the consequences.
To me, it is a love not. I wonder left how many notes like this he has left for his wife over the course of their marriage. I sense he is confident that this small transgression will be overlooked. He has given the women he loves a precious gift that I have noticed many men seem afraid to share… his attention, his ability to admit his error and ask forgiveness, and his willingness to communicate.
PGLK from United States
Comment 78 of 79, added on January 21st, 2008 at 6:15 AM.
I read the poem differently. To me it seemed terribly sad. It showed a marriage where all sentiment, love and regard has long since left. "I ate the plums. I assume you wanted them. They were good." Their entire relationship stripped down to petty acts and comments devoid of human feeling for a one time loved one.
jim gallman from United States
Comment 77 of 79, added on January 10th, 2008 at 2:08 PM.
i have laughed
my heart out
from my
chest
and which
i couldnt stop
myself
they made me cry
forgive me
i could not
contain my
laughter!
Samantha from United States
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Comments
It is difficult to analyze Though as Blake suggested, we may be able “to see a world in a grain of sand” I don’t think we can discuss the quality of Williams’ marriage on the evidence of a single poem. I realize it is difficult to analyze something as intimate as poetry, especially Williams’ poetry, without bringing along some of our own personal baggage. Yet I believe it is important to try and take his words at face value. To my understanding, William Carlos Williams wanted most of all for us to see how every-day life and language is laden with beauty and richness. Perhaps I missed the poem where he tells how sad he is in his loveless marriage. What do we know if their relationship? Have we considered how his life as a physician impacts his poetry?
When I read this poem (out loud) I picture the Doctor called away before dawn, trying to get something to eat before heading off to the sickbed of some child. Does he wake his wife so she may prepare him breakfast? He does not. Does he snatch her breakfast and leave her nothing in return? Look again. He has left her the vivid image of his pleasure in the plums. He has asked for her forgiveness. He has left her a note, speaking of his actions… and his acceptance of the consequences.
To me, it is a love not. I wonder left how many notes like this he has left for his wife over the course of their marriage. I sense he is confident that this small transgression will be overlooked. He has given the women he loves a precious gift that I have noticed many men seem afraid to share… his attention, his ability to admit his error and ask forgiveness, and his willingness to communicate.
PGLK from United States