THE WAKING BY THEODORE ROETHKE
Begin by describing the content or "story" of the poem. Tell what the poem is about. Next describe the tone the speaker takes towards the material noting any figurative language in the poem. After this identify the metrical features of the poem leading to an identification of the form, if possible. Finally, evaluate the poem. Is this a successful poem? Why or why not?
The Waking
I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow.
I feel my fate in what I cannot fear.
I learn by going where I have to go.
We think by feeling. What is there to know?
I hear my being dance from ear to ear.
I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow.
Of those so close beside me, which are you?
God bless the Ground! I shall walk softly there,
And learn by going where I have to go.
Light takes the Tree; but who can tell us how?
The lowly worm climbs up a winding stair;
I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow.
Great Nature has another thing to do
To you and me; so take the lively air,
And, lovely, learn by going where to go.
This shaking keeps me steady. I should know.
What falls away is always. And is near.
I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow.
I learn by going where I have to go.
10 years ago
Purchase the answer to view it
- the_waking_by_theodore_roethke.docx