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New and Collected Poems 1965-2003: A Poetic Journey Through Time and Emotion

Al Foster

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Published in Door In The Mountain: New And Collected Poems 1965 2003 (Wesleyan Poetry Series)

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Book Cover Image Of New And Collected Poems 1965 2003 By W. S. Merwin Door In The Mountain: New And Collected Poems 1965 2003 (Wesleyan Poetry Series)

Door in the Mountain: New and Collected Poems, 1965-2003 (Wesleyan Poetry Series)

by Jean Valentine

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	785 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	306 pages

W. S. Merwin's New and Collected Poems 1965-2003 is a comprehensive and deeply moving collection that spans four decades of the poet's prolific career. Bringing together poems from eight previously published volumes, as well as a selection of new work, this collection offers a profound and multifaceted exploration of the human condition.

Throughout the collection, Merwin grapples with themes of nature, time, loss, and the search for meaning in a complex and often bewildering world. His poems are marked by a keen eye for detail, a deep understanding of the natural world, and a profound sense of empathy for the human experience.

Structure and Organization

The collection is divided into eight sections, each of which corresponds to a different period in Merwin's writing life. The first section, "The Lice," contains poems from his early years, while the final section, "The Shadow of Sirius," includes work from his later years. This chronological organization allows readers to trace the evolution of Merwin's voice and poetic style over time.

Within each section, the poems are arranged thematically, exploring different aspects of the human experience. For example, the section "The Compass Flower" focuses on themes of nature and the environment, while the section "The Lost Upland" explores themes of loss and grief.

Imagery and Language

Merwin's poetry is renowned for its vivid and evocative imagery. He has a keen eye for detail, and his poems are filled with rich descriptions of the natural world. In the poem "The Lice," for example, he describes the lice crawling on his skin with such precision and realism that the reader can almost feel them crawling on their own skin.

Merwin's language is also notable for its simplicity and directness. He uses clear and concise language to convey complex and often profound ideas. In the poem "The River of Bees," for example, he writes:

The river of bees
Flows through the field
Of my sleep
Bearing me away
On the water
Of their wings

The simplicity of these lines belies the depth of the poem's meaning. The river of bees can be seen as a metaphor for the passage of time, or for the flow of consciousness. The poem suggests that we are all carried away by the river of time, and that our lives are ultimately shaped by the experiences we have along the way.

Evolving Perspectives

One of the most striking things about New and Collected Poems 1965-2003 is the way in which Merwin's perspectives evolve over time. In his early poems, he is often preoccupied with themes of darkness and despair. In the poem "The Lice," for example, he writes:

I have been eaten by lice
For a long time
They have eaten me
Down to the bone

These lines convey a sense of deep despair and hopelessness. The speaker feels like he has been consumed by darkness, and that there is no escape.

However, as Merwin grows older, his perspective begins to change. In his later poems, he becomes more accepting of the darkness, and he finds solace in the beauty of the natural world. In the poem "The Shadow of Sirius," for example, he writes:

The shadow of Sirius
Falls on the field
Where I am walking
And I am filled
With a sense of peace

These lines convey a sense of acceptance and tranquility. The speaker is no longer afraid of the darkness, and he finds comfort in the simple beauty of the world around him.

New and Collected Poems 1965-2003 is a masterful collection that showcases the extraordinary range and depth of W. S. Merwin's poetic vision. Through his evocative language and insightful observations, Merwin explores the complexities of the human condition and offers us a profound and moving meditation on life, death, and the search for meaning.

Whether you are a longtime fan of Merwin's work or a new reader discovering his poetry for the first time, New and Collected Poems 1965-2003 is an essential addition to your library. This collection is a testament to the enduring power of poetry to move and inspire us.

Door in the Mountain: New and Collected Poems, 1965-2003 (Wesleyan Poetry Series)

by Jean Valentine

4.5 out of 5