Ballet by William Carlos Williams

Name: Ballet
Author: William Carlos Williams

The poem explores themes of weariness, longing, and the desire for connection amidst the backdrop of nature and the passage of time. The speaker addresses a gold cross, symbolizing perhaps faith or a burden, questioning its weariness from witnessing the celestial movements and the inevitable decline of day into night. This weariness is mirrored in the speaker's own feelings of isolation and the desire for companionship. The robin, representing nature and vitality, is also called upon, suggesting that even the vibrant aspects of life experience fatigue from their continuous efforts. The speaker invites the robin to join in a shared experience, indicating a yearning for a break from solitude and the constraints of existence. As the poem progresses, the imagery shifts to a more dynamic scene where the speaker envisions a joyful release from their stiffness through movement and dance. The act of flinging themselves around with "dust lilies" symbolizes a return to innocence and spontaneity, contrasting with the earlier themes of rigidity and exhaustion. The invitation to join in this revelry highlights the importance of connection and shared joy. The climax of the poem culminates in a vivid portrayal of laughter and exhaustion, suggesting a cathartic release from the burdens of life. The astonished stars, witnessing this moment, serve as a reminder of the beauty and transience of existence. The imagery of being crushed by wheels and pounding feet evokes the relentless nature of life, yet the laughter remains a powerful testament to resilience and the human spirit's capacity for joy amidst struggle. Overall, the work encapsulates a journey from weariness to liberation, emphasizing the significance of companionship and the transformative power of shared experiences in the face of life's challenges.

By William Carlos Williams · First published 1939 · Genre: Poetry, Lyric, Modernist · 306 words

First lines

Are you not weary, great gold cross shining in the wind -- are you not weary of seeing the stars turning over you and the sun going to his rest and you frozen with a great lie that leaves you rigid as a knight on a marble coffin?

-and you, higher, still, robin, untwisting a song from the bare top-twigs, are you not weary of labor, even the labor of a song?

What this Textopian page supports

Ballet is listed on Textopian as a poem by William Carlos Williams, dated 1939 CE.

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Work type: Poem
Author: William Carlos Williams
Date: 1939 CE
Language: English
Genres: Poetry, Lyric, Modernist, Imagism, Nature
Length: 306 words
Structure: 1 section, 7 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

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Genres

Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhythm and imagery characteristic of poetry.
Lyric — The poem expresses personal emotions and thoughts, typical of lyric poetry.
Modernist — The style reflects modernist themes of disillusionment and a break from traditional forms.
Imagism — The vivid imagery and focus on precise language align with the principles of Imagism.