Imagery Poetry 4- The Widow's Lament in Springtime

"Sorrow is my own yard." line 1

In this poem, the woman is clearly grieving the loss of her husband. In her mourning, she fails to see the beauty in her garden. It is like without her husband, nothing is as it was. I really feel bad for this woman; she seems to be very distraught over the situation. Because of her misery, she is unable to take pride in her garden like she used to. The bright yellow and red flowers appear bland to her now. I think this poem is sort of ironic in a way, because of the way the poet so vividly describes her garden. But, the women can only see a bland memory that has escaped from her. The beauty in her garden is masked by sorrow. Then, the woman's son makes some suggestion about "heavy woods in the distance." the poet doesn't describe this setting near as vividly as the garden. However, the woman sees this meadow as a clear path she must take. It seems to be the only thing she knows for sure. I think that the "distant meadow" represents the woman going to be with her husband. She thinks that it would be better not to live than to live without her husband. I think the irony is that what we, the readers, see so vividly is what is so unclear to the woman, but what is unclear to us, is what seems to be clear to her.

Imagery Poetry 2- Those Winter Sundays

"Sundays too my father got up early." line 1

I think that Robert Hayden's poem, Those Winter Sundays, is written in a retrospective point of view. It seems like a man is recalling all the laborous things his father did for him as a child, and realizing the extent of what he did. Hayden uses vivid imagery to describe how burdensome the work of the father was. In lines such as, "with cracked hands that ached" and "who had driven out the cold," we see that the father would do all he could for his family. The line "Sundays too my father got up early," implies that the father never rested or took a day off. The too provides special emphasis on his work ethic because Sundays are known as the day of rest. I think the author of this poem is feeling regret for not appreciating all that his father did for him. He is remorseful because he never exhibited any gratitude, even though he really did love his father. Maybe this poem is a warning to children to be greatful for all their parents do for them. It almost seems like the man no longer has the opportunity to express his sorrow to his father. Maybe the father passed away before he was able to thank him, so he is writting this to tell others to show gratitude towards your loved ones before it is too late. 

Imagery Poetry 1- London

"Marks of weakness, marks of woe." line 4

William Blake's poem, London, conveys a very depressing tone. It seems that all the citizens of London are imprisoned by something. Based on the first two lines, "I wander through each chartered street, Near where the chartered Thames does flow," I think the government is controlling and oppressing all of its' people. By using the word chartered in reference to the streets and the Thames river, I think this demonstrates the range of control possessed by the government.  Blake uses imagery to describe the emotions and feelings of despair the people posses. Through lines such as "In every cry of every man" and "Marks of weakness, marks of woe," we can feel the unhappiness in their hearts. I think Blake is trying to convey the hardships of living in London at every level, regardless of social class. From the "Runs in blood down Palace walls," to "How the youthful Harlot's curse," it is evident how class isn't a factor. I think that the "Marks of weakness" represent the fear the citizens possess about the powers hanging over them. As a result to the control, all the citizens live an unhappy and oppressed life.