Two poems - compulsory

Here is poem number one:

William Carlos Williams (American)

This is just to say

  I have eaten
the plums that were
in the icebox
and which you were probably
saving
for breakfast

Forgive me
they were delicious
so sweet
and so cold		  

What is this poem about?
Who is "I" in this poem? A man or a woman?
Why did he or she eat the plums?
Is this a typical poem? Why or why not?

And remember, all it takes to be able to "talk about", "reflect on", "comment" or "analyse" a text is close reading. Look carefully, read again and think. And then trust your own opinion and observations!

Here is poem number two:

Stephen Crane (American)

 

I saw a man pursuing the horizon
Round and round they sped.
I was disturbed at this;
I accosted the man.
"It is futile," I said,
"You can never-"

"You lie," he cried,
And ran on.

 
 Difficult words:  pursuing  förföljde
   futile  meningslöst
   accosted  tilltala

Who is "I" in this poem? A man or a woman?
Why did he or she try to stop the man from running?
Is this a typical poem? Why or why not?
What is the atmosphere in this poem? Is there hope or desperation?

Bonus poem by the same poet:

 

In the desert
I saw a creature, naked, bestial,

Who squatting upon the ground,
Held his heart in his hands
And ate of it.
I said: "is it good, friend?"
"It is bitter - bitter," he answered;
But I like it
Because it is better,
And beacuse it is my heart.

 

Submit a comment to your project group:
What did you think about these poems? You can look for background information about these writers if you think that is relevant. Your comment can be long or short, just think before you write.

© Stockholms Stad