Hirshfield’s Blessing for Wedding, Essay Example

Jane Hirshfield – A Blessing For Wedding

Jane Hirshfield’s “A Blessing for Wedding” is a work that certainly exemplifies good poetry.  Its romantic imagery certainly adds to the environment that is created for the poem.  It clearly appeals to the reader and builds upon its calming imagery to relate to the meaning of the poem and the reader.

Imagery

The imagery presented in Hirshfield’s poem is perhaps the most direct in the poem, in terms of the usage of poetic elements of the writing.  The poem certainly expresses the “representation of one thing by another thing (Oliver 86),” according to the definition of the term.  In fact, there is a great deal of imagery that exists in the poem.

The poem makes substantial use of imagery.  Using terms like “persimmons,” “fox-kits,” “maple,” and “fire,” the first several lines see a number of calming images presented (Hirshfield).  These objects can be seen as manmade objects, often in regards to images that are more calming and soothing.

However, the predominant images are presented in nature.  “Rain,” “light,” “starlight,” and others are used to evoke pictures and representations (Hirshfield).  These calming pictures within nature are given abundantly in the poem.  The images within nature itself, the weather, and the seasons are utilized, prominently within the text of the poem.

Significance

The significance of the imagery presented in the poem is evident.  The imagery in the poem is probably the most easily seen element within Hirshfield’s poem.  It directly appeals to the reader the first time it is read.

The imagery presented has an upbuilding tendency, even in less than positive representations.  For instance, in lines seven and eight death is seen, and subsequently followed by birth (Hirshfield).  Then it is seen in regards to nature, which gives a calming aspect to the feel of the poem, even though a less than positive subject matter is seen, at least at times within the poem.

The imagery presented within the poem appeals to the emotions of the reader.  Whether it is in regards to nature or emotions themselves, which are the primary manifestations of imagery in the poem, it all creates a soothing flow to the poem.  This represents one of the poem’s prominent characteristics.

Deeper Meaning

The poem illustrates deeper meaning rather than “just” that of a calming poem for a wedding.  Rather, it can be seen within the topic of life and general, in finding meaning and love in all regards.  In these aspects can Hirshfield’s poem be seen in its metaphorical and state of deeper meaning.

The repetition of the phrase “bless you” is instrumental in the meaning of the poem (Hirshfield).  “Letting it bless you” is made in reference to the love that one holds, as evident here in regards to the blessing for a wedding, as the title states.  In its application for a wedding, deeper meaning is found that can be applied within life itself, and not just in reference to love in a married couple’s relationship.

The poem on a deeper level is about love in general.  As one lets love bless their lives, as Hirshfield states in gross paraphrased form, this is a key to life in itself.  Contrasting to death and anything that may come someone’s way, Hirshfield recommends that love bless their lives in order to overcome such obstacles.  In regards to a marriage or to someone’s life, or any type of relationship, the theme of letting love bless one is significant.

It is in this in which the poem finds added significance.  It is not “merely” a positive poem about a wedding.  Rather, it blends in elements of life in general.  One is able to move beyond times of struggle, from such places as death as previously examined, into the solitude of nature and life in general, by allowing love to bless their lives.

The subtext is thus created using a blend of imagery and metaphorical imagery.  Direct imagery is found quite prominently in the poem, most notably within nature, the seasons, and elements of weather.  This has metaphorical implications, as love in general, and not only in regards to that of a marriage, is made to “bless” the life of someone or a relationship.

Conclusion

Imagery dominates this poem, using levels of metaphors to represent the trials and joys of life.  Deeper meaning in Hirshfield’s poem is found when life in general is taken into consideration, and not just in regards to a wedding.  The poem creates a calming and soothing picture on both levels, due to the ease of the poem in both manners.

From these elements, Hirshfield’s “A Blessing for Wedding” reveals its status as a clearly developed and “good” poem.  Its imagery and metaphorical basis provides the initial and subsequent readings of the poem with beginning and continuing relevance and depth.  The overriding message appeals to most people in regards to the powerful nature of love in all aspects of life.

Works Cited

Hirshfield, Jane. “A Blessing for Wedding.” Tricycle magazine. 2010.

Oliver, Mary. A Poetry Handbook. Orlando, Florida: Harcourt Brace & Company, 1994. Print.