Introduction
Through their writing, authors primarily share their past and current experiences. It allows them to explain their personal situations while also expressing how they feel about various aspects of life. The writers use this forum to discuss various facets of society in addition to sharing their own personal stories. They might, for instance, use poetry to address teenage behavior, fiction to address political corruption, or both to address peace. Additionally, certain parts of life and death or illness may be covered in the poems, short stories, or novels. The authors employ a variety of strategies to make their writing captivating while attempting to get their point across. Also, the mechanisms implore the reader to draw various meanings from a single piece. In other words, some messages are left open for the reader to interpret. Therefore, this paper will dwell on the poem “Any” by George Bowering to elucidate on the elements of poetry. The poem explores an inner monologue that implores one to comprehend the relation between the narrator and the other party. The narrator utilizes elements such as metaphors, similes, and irregular structure to give the poem a literal meaning. Furthermore, the structure, rhyme, and tone emphasize on the meaning of the poem. Through these elements, the narrator tries to enlighten the reader about a close friend or perhaps a neighbor. Therefore, the paper will try to illustrate how these tenets i.e. structure, rhyme, and literary elements are utilized to portray the relationship between the narrator and the other party.
The First Line
The first line “Fresh out of the icebox” introduces the reader into the narrators mind. The sentiment is metaphoric implying that the speaker was refreshed. Evidently, an icebox is mostly used to cool or relieve. When one is injured, he/she tends to use some form of ice that is contingent on the type of injury to relieve the same. Therefore, the narrator uses this metaphor of an icebox to indicate his refreshed self. By mentioning the brain in the next part, the narrator outlines the part of the body that was refreshed. The author also utilizes similes to emphasize on the kind of relationship that existed between the two ‘friends.’ By stating that “a bicycle going by like a whistle from the lips of someone,” the narrator illustrates the two were not close to one another. However, there is a possibility the two trusted each other, yet they were not close friends. This sentiment is consistent with the notions drawn from the beginning of the poem (Poetry Foundation).
The Structure of the Poem
Most poets use the structure of their poem to derive certain meanings. In this case, the structure of the poem is irregular i.e. the lines are not placed in a specific order and also there are not distinctive stanzas. In other words, the poet does not utilize the constituents of most poem that include specified lines, distinctive stanzas, and a regular structure. One cannot portray it as a poem at first glance. A regular poem primarily includes specific lines per stanza with each stanza acting like a continuation of the previous one, even though it may carry a different message. However, in this particular poem, the author dwells on different aspects that transition within one large stanza (Thompson).
Rhyme in the Poem
Rhyme is another aspect normally utilized by poets to contribute to the overall effect of a poem. It is one aspect that readers expect from poetry i.e. some rhyming words or pronunciations. The rhyme should produce a sound effect, emphasis, or pattern. However, this particular poem does not have these regular aspects. The rhyme scheme is irregular from the beginning to the end of the writing. It begins as an alternate line rhyme and ends in a similar manner. As such, the entire poem emulates a single block with an intricate arrangement of clauses and sub-clauses. This irregularity typifies the relation between the narrator and the other party. A relationship that was not strong; hence, the different perceptions. The author’s choice to use an irregular structure may be illustrative of the bond between them. For example, he calls the friend a “necessary neighbor,” typically suggesting that the two hard no close relationship. The term necessary in this phrase is utilized as an emphasis on the relationship. As such, the poem’s irregularity puts an emphasis on the narrator’s perception of his friend.
Language Techniques
The language technique utilized in this poem gives it its meaning. The author utilizes colloquialism, for instance, “of an age” to make poem quite informal for the readers to relate. From the perspective of this narration, one can tell that the narrator is at his youth or recalling his youthful days. The manner in which he portrays his friend or rather neighbor reinforces this notion. Language techniques are what makes poetry enticing. A good example can be illustrated by the sentiment “he has a peculiar skeleton arranged his own way in the mind’s pasture.” It is a phrase that generally means the individual was gazing or thinking about something. In other words, he was deeply rooted in thoughts. The narrator continues to illustrate the strained relationship between the two.
Rhythm in the Poem
Most poets also assert that rhythm is a key element of poetry since it shows the pattern of the poem. Rhythm is created by recurring pauses and stresses that are systematic within the writing. In this particular poem, the author does not observe the rhythmic aspects of poetry. However, the consistent use of metaphoric phrases and similes bring about the rhythmic tenet of poetry. From the onset of the writing, the author introduces the reader via a catchy phrase that rhymes with the element he wants to elucidate on i.e. the brain. The notions of displeasure are also consistent throughout the poem. For instance, “I wanted to work when he wanted to play.” The sentiment shows that the two ‘friends’ were not in unison in many aspects. The phrase, therefore, reinforces the previous sentiment that this friend was a “necessary neighbor.” The narrator gives enough clues to show the state of their relationship.
Conclusion
In conclusion, authors use different elements of poetry to make it meaningful to the readers. The elements are also meant to make the poem enticing to the reader while also encouraging them to draw different interpretations. As such, the poem “Any” by George Bowering utilizes elements like metaphors and similes to make it enticing. The author also utilized the structure and rhythm to illustrate his stringent relation towards his friend. Phrases like “necessary neighbor” imply that the narrator had ill feelings towards his friend. In general, the author used an irregular structure, metaphors, and similes to illustrate his feelings towards the other party.
Works Cited
Poetry Foundation. "Any by George Bowering." 2017. 13 May 2017. .
Thompson, Michael Clay. "Elements of Poetry." n.d. 10 May 2017. .
