[The Descent]

This poem drew my attention because it is the first poem in which Williams formats his words in a nontraditional way. Reading this new format takes a lot of concentration and creates a kind of art out of the words. Aside from the unique format, the poem seems to be about the process of growing old. Of course, growing old is not an exciting thought but Williams says, “Memory is a kind//of accomplishment,//a sort of renewal”. I related to this because when life seems to be moving to fast, the best way to seek comfort is in fond memories of simpler times when time moved more slowly. The “descent” that Williams seems to be referring to is a descent from high consciousness into memories and self preservation. The world is “lost” to Williams and the only thing that seems to be “endless” and “indestructible” is this decent. This poem was slightly difficult to understand, but what I got from it was that the “decent” seems to be some form of finding safety and comfort within his own mind. The world around him seems to be leaving him less than satisfied and the narrator feels that they can only find comfort in a descent from the real world into an internal and controlled world.

This seems to be relating to the theme of American history in bringing to light the isolation many people felt during this time period. People find peace in the comfort of memories of better times, Williams seems to have a negative view of the world surrounding him during this time period.

[The Pink Locust]

This was my favorite of William’s poems. There is something so passionate and energizing about the poem. Williams seems to be in a situation in which he fears that something is getting rid of him. Whether it be a boss, or a family member, or life itself. However, Williams fights back, he is “persistent as the pink locust”. It is interesting to note as well that locust flowers grow in the harshest of conditions. A most beautiful flower blooms out of mud and ugliness. This flower was chosen to specifically represent how Williams will endure the harshest of circumstances. By the end of the poem it seems to be clear that Williams is facing criticism in his poetic life and this poem is written as a statement that he refuses to disappear. Whatever people may have been saying, it is clear from this poem that he intends to leave his mark on the world and leave a name for himself, and he certainly did accomplish that.

This poem provides hope that beauty can bloom in darkness. Good things can grow in horrible conditions. This poem can be taken as a metaphor for the message that no matter how hopeless and mucky things may seem in the world, beauty can rise through the muck and enter the world to provide light.