Dillard Sissman by Edgar Lee Masters
The poem presents a contemplative scene where the speaker lies in a pasture, observing the natural world around him. The imagery of buzzards circling overhead and the gentle movement of the grass evokes a sense of tranquility and connection to nature. The kite, a symbol of freedom and aspiration, is tethered to the speaker, representing both a physical and emotional anchor. As the speaker watches the kite dance in the wind, there is a juxtaposition between the stability of the earth and the ephemeral nature of the kite's flight. The mention of the thin moon suggests a transition from day to night, adding a layer of introspection as the speaker reflects on the passage of time and the fleeting moments of life. The poem captures a moment of stillness and observation, where the speaker finds solace in the simplicity of the scene. The imagery of the farmhouse peeking through the trees adds a sense of distance and nostalgia, hinting at the speaker's longing for connection or a return to simpler times. Overall, the work explores themes of nature, freedom, and the interplay between the physical and emotional realms, inviting readers to reflect on their own experiences of solitude and contemplation in the presence of the natural world.
By Edgar Lee Masters · First published 1916 · Genre: Poetry, Nature Writing, Symbolism · 197 words
First lines
The buzzards wheel slowly In wide circles, in a sky Faintly hazed as from dust from the road.
And a wind sweeps through the pasture where I lie Beating the grass into long waves.
My kite is above the wind, Though now and then it wobbles, Like a man shaking his shoulders;
And the tail streams out momentarily, Then sinks to rest.
What this Textopian page supports
Dillard Sissman is listed on Textopian as a short story by Edgar Lee Masters, dated 1916 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Edgar Lee Masters
- Date: 1916 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Nature Writing, Symbolism, Modernism, Lyrical
- Length: 197 words
- Structure: 1 section, 9 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing imagery and metaphor typical of poetic expression.
- Nature Writing — The poem vividly describes natural elements and landscapes, focusing on the interaction between the speaker and the environment.
- Symbolism — The kite and buzzards serve as symbols representing freedom, aspiration, and the passage of time.
- Modernism — The poem reflects modernist themes of perception and the subjective experience of reality.
Tags
American Literature · Poetry Collection · Free Verse · Modernism · Symbolism · Psychological Insight · Stream-of-Consciousness · Autobiographical Elements · Coming of Age · Social Commentary · Existential Themes · Philosophical Musings