For me this poem highlights the stages of life always transitioning to the final destination to where everything finally reaches the end (in this case the sea).
This reminds me of when I was working on my Montreal dozzina and I had to look up whether the St Lawrence flowed into The Great Lakes basin or into the Atlantic. I’d always thought of it as the former, without really thinking about it, and even my wife, who’s lived there her whole life, wasn’t sure. A minute of considering it makes it pretty clear — it wouldn’t be flowing out of the ocean, of course!
Yes, interpretation will always be individual and, as such, depend on the mood, experience, understanding, language and literacy skills, desires, hopes, aspirations and more of the person reading.
However, that does not mean that all interpretations will necessarily be appropriate or correspond with what is written or said, regardless of the poet's skill.
There is 'no' right or wrong - I'd suggest, rather than 'everyone is right', because so often an interpretation has little do do with the content or its expression. In some cases, an interpretation will surprise, even delight an author, for it may be something they recognise as apposite even though it hadn't been their intention.. In other cases, an interpretation have either inadvertently or intentionally misconstrued what's said.
I certainly don't believe in public pillorying or demeaning 'superior' comment but I do consider that, at times, a view needs to be called out or at least questioned, at others it can safely be ignored and, in some cases, even praised for its insight and perspective.
I'm sorry if this annoys - it is just my style - I mean no ill to anyone and admire all who 'give it a go', regardless of the result but I think it not kind to avoid pointing out an error or advising on a potential weakness or problem, where it exists. As long as it is done without rancour or abuse, surely such response is useful for an author in achieving improvement. After all, anyone can take something on board or reject it as they consider appropriate.
No, I'm not particular referring to the above exchange, it was only responsible for stimulating my thought on this subject.
"In some cases, an interpretation will surprise, even delight an author, for it may be something they recognise as apposite even though it hadn't been their intention." So true! And those can be sweet and mildly mind-boggling occasions for the author. And as for the rest of your commentary here -- yes, and well said. You, sir, are a scholar and a gentleman.
I pretty much agree with most of what you say. I have never really taught and heck I have had only one poetry class in college in 1984 and it was on 19th century English romantic poetry. My limited education in such matters has given me the confidence in having little confidence to be to criticize others. I am fortunate to have strong powers of perception. Like one of the examples you gave others can pull things out of my work that I didn’t even know eat here.
For me this poem highlights the stages of life always transitioning to the final destination to where everything finally reaches the end (in this case the sea).
I’ve always thought that sea was just the beginning. The closer I approach I think we’re never not flowing with it.
The rivers empty into the sea was where I was going.
Of course you’re right Stanley
Hey everyone is right that’s the beauty of poetry-everybody right. Interpretation is personal.
This reminds me of when I was working on my Montreal dozzina and I had to look up whether the St Lawrence flowed into The Great Lakes basin or into the Atlantic. I’d always thought of it as the former, without really thinking about it, and even my wife, who’s lived there her whole life, wasn’t sure. A minute of considering it makes it pretty clear — it wouldn’t be flowing out of the ocean, of course!
Monongalia River in Morgantown, WV flows north because well, Pittsburgh sucks.
This is so true. Always filters through your own psyche.
Yes, interpretation will always be individual and, as such, depend on the mood, experience, understanding, language and literacy skills, desires, hopes, aspirations and more of the person reading.
However, that does not mean that all interpretations will necessarily be appropriate or correspond with what is written or said, regardless of the poet's skill.
There is 'no' right or wrong - I'd suggest, rather than 'everyone is right', because so often an interpretation has little do do with the content or its expression. In some cases, an interpretation will surprise, even delight an author, for it may be something they recognise as apposite even though it hadn't been their intention.. In other cases, an interpretation have either inadvertently or intentionally misconstrued what's said.
I certainly don't believe in public pillorying or demeaning 'superior' comment but I do consider that, at times, a view needs to be called out or at least questioned, at others it can safely be ignored and, in some cases, even praised for its insight and perspective.
I'm sorry if this annoys - it is just my style - I mean no ill to anyone and admire all who 'give it a go', regardless of the result but I think it not kind to avoid pointing out an error or advising on a potential weakness or problem, where it exists. As long as it is done without rancour or abuse, surely such response is useful for an author in achieving improvement. After all, anyone can take something on board or reject it as they consider appropriate.
No, I'm not particular referring to the above exchange, it was only responsible for stimulating my thought on this subject.
Take care. Stay safe. ☮️
"In some cases, an interpretation will surprise, even delight an author, for it may be something they recognise as apposite even though it hadn't been their intention." So true! And those can be sweet and mildly mind-boggling occasions for the author. And as for the rest of your commentary here -- yes, and well said. You, sir, are a scholar and a gentleman.
I pretty much agree with most of what you say. I have never really taught and heck I have had only one poetry class in college in 1984 and it was on 19th century English romantic poetry. My limited education in such matters has given me the confidence in having little confidence to be to criticize others. I am fortunate to have strong powers of perception. Like one of the examples you gave others can pull things out of my work that I didn’t even know eat here.
SWOON!
Jonathan this flows from sky to water
You have a subtle, simple genius. Thank you for your words.
Thanks, Mike.