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I choose a bench by the river today by Miaowla — Analysis & Translation

2 min read English

Original Poem

I choose a bench by the river today to close my eyes and let time flow through me, seconds dissolving before my patient breath. An eternity passes. I wait. I watch as leaves grow vibrant with rain, flora flourishing in damp triumph before the ground cracks into dust, blowing clouds amongst the yellow grasses. I stand among beds of violet, gold, scarlet, inhaling the crisp crunch of fallen leaves which dull with every passing heartbeat until a mud-soaked memory is all that remains.

Translation (English)

I pick a bench by the river today to shut my eyes and feel time pass through me, seconds fading away with my calm breathing. A long time goes by. I wait. I watch as leaves become bright with rain, plants thriving in the wet before the ground dries and cracks, clouds of dust among the yellow grass. I stand among beds of purple, gold, red, breathing in the crunch of fallen leaves which fade with every heartbeat until only a muddy memory is left.

About the Poet

Miaowla (Contemporary)

Miaowla is a contemporary poet known for exploring themes of time, nature, and memory in her work. Her poetry often reflects a deep connection with the natural world and the passage of time.

Historical Context

Literary Form
Free verse
When Written
Contemporary
Background
The poem reflects on the passage of time and the transient beauty of nature. It captures the meditative experience of observing natural changes and the inevitable decay that follows.

Sources: https://allpoetry.com/poem/19101782-time-flows-through-by-Miaowla, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/English_poetry

Detailed Explanation

This poem by Miaowla captures the serene yet fleeting nature of time and the environment. The speaker chooses a quiet spot by the river to meditate on the passage of time, symbolized by the flowing river and the dissolving seconds. The vibrant imagery of leaves and flora flourishing with rain contrasts with the eventual decay as the ground turns to dust. This cycle of growth and decay is mirrored in the speaker's reflection on memory, where vibrant experiences fade into 'mud-soaked' recollections. The poem uses vivid imagery and sensory details to evoke a deep connection with nature and the inevitable passage of time, inviting readers to appreciate the beauty and transience of life.

Themes

  • Nature
  • Time
  • Memory
  • Transience

Literary Devices

  • Imagery: Vivid descriptions of nature and time create a strong visual impact.
  • Metaphor: Time is metaphorically described as flowing through the speaker.
  • Personification: Time and nature are given human-like qualities, such as 'seconds dissolving' and 'flora flourishing'.
  • Symbolism: The river symbolizes the passage of time, and the changing leaves symbolize the cycle of life.

Word Dictionary

Word Meaning Translation Transliteration
dissolving melting away melting away dih-zol-ving
eternity forever forever ih-tur-ni-tee
vibrant bright and lively bright and lively vai-bruhnt
flora plants plants flor-uh
triumph victory a great success trai-uhmf
scarlet red red skar-let
crisp fresh and firm fresh and firm krisp
dull less bright less bright duhl
mud-soaked covered in mud heavily wet with mud muhd-sohkt

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