ARS POETICA

STANZA 1

• A poem should be palpable and mute As a globed fruit, Dumb As old medallions to the thumb, Silent as the sleeve-worn stone Of casement ledges where the moss has grown— A poem should be wordless As the flight of birds.

"MEANINGS ARE SEEN, NOT FELT"

• "Mute," "Dumb," "Wordless" contrasted with "Palpable"
• Poems don't always have literal meaning but will be felt by the reader
• Poems are a deeper way to communicate between author and reader

STANZA 2

• A poem should be motionless in time As the moon climbs, Leaving, as the moon releases Twig by twig the night-entangled trees, Leaving, as the moon behind the winter leaves, Memory by memory the mind— A poem should be motionless in time As the moon climbs.

"TIMELESS AND UNIVERSAL"

• "Motionless in time," "Memory" contrasted with "climbs," "leaving," "releases," "entangles"
• The contrast of the moon changing (days passing) while the poem doesn't move shows the timeless, universality of poetry

STANZA 3

• A poem should be equal to: Not true. For all the history of grief An empty doorway and a maple leaf. For love The leaning grasses and two lights above the sea— A poem should not mean But be.

"ART AND EXPRESSION"

• "Not true," "empty," "not mean, but be"
• Poetry does not always have to serve an explicit purpose but can serve as art and expression

WHAT IS POETRY?

• The meaning of a poem will not be easily seen in the words but will be felt
• Poetry is timeless and universal
• Poetry can serve as art and a form of expression

LITERARY TECHNIQUES

• Contrast-opposites between what a poem is and nature
• Imagery-detailed, emphatic images
• Simile, Metaphor
• Symbolism