Poetry Discussion & Analysis #2

"Beyond"*

Across the room
Across the street
Across the water where the two big blues meet
Across the widest space 'til you reach infinity
My love will still be

Beyond the sorrow
Beyond regret
Beyond the tremors of a quake you can't forget
Beyond the hardest times man you ain't seen nothing yet
My love will still be
My love will still be

In your present and future
Over and under
Inside and outside
Close and asunder
From the moment you awake
Til' the moonlight adorns your face
When your memory begins to fade
Never will my love

Above the sunset
Above the trees
Above the highs and lows that make up reality
Above the resting place of the body that I leave
My love will still be

---

Form is achieved by using one word to tie each verse. Each verse contains an inner progression. By repeating “My love will still be” and using an intermittent and irregular rhyme pattern, form, continuity and consistency are enhanced. These elements also create pacing, i.e., rhythm.

Lines 3 and 4 of the first, second and fourth verses along with lines 4-7 of the third verse, i.e., the bridge, represent the fusion of emotion, language and creativity. The description takes familiar things and elevates them with individual style which balances the straightforwardness in the remaining sentences.

This is a partial analysis but illustrates how poetry and prose form the basis of many songs. It seems the title should be “My love will still be,” yet, “Beyond” was chosen. This caused me to consider the overall message: the lasting truth that true love transcends all things great and small.

*Amel Larrieux (Bravebird, 2004, Bliss Life)

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Poetry Discussion & Analysis

Most of my poetry does not originate from one moment. After repeated exposure to life's bits and pieces, something triggers an overall idea. The poem whispers its will and I listen. That's the simplified version.

All of the poems in Eloquence: Rhythm & Renaissance have a primary meaning knowable with just one reading. Many have some nuances. Some contain secondary meaning either completely or partially.

For example: The poem, “Cool People” is about good people. It explores the richness of relationships that are right.

Cool People are like a breath of fresh air and a cold drink of water ("like mountain breezes and well water"). They are pure and natural. Cool People make time for you when they need someone to take time for them (“listen when they need to be heard”). Instead of judging you, they judge themselves by the highest standards. Cool people are the fountain of youth.

There are several more areas to analyze and discuss - some I know, many I don't. When I hear unique perspectives, it confirms what the Spirit has promised. This is not just for you but for anyone open to art as a life advantage.

Although the artist has some intent, they can't control individual interaction with their work. In that respect, poems are no different than songs or visual art. We can enjoy these creative expressions without an explanation or complete understanding of the origin or it's objectives. I'm still gaining insight into songs I first enjoyed over twenty years ago.

Contrary to this post, I prefer to not comment on a poem until the reader has spent personal time with the poem and offered their own impressions. Perhaps, however, this will provide encouragement.

Enjoying poetry has nothing to do with understanding everything. There is no right or wrong to the way the poem speaks to us. Poetry is accessible if we allow it to be.

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