A few of his love poems are actually quite good. They possess a certain charm and elegance that can touch the hearts of some readers. However, to be completely honest, this collection was not entirely to my taste. There is a distinct sense of futility or pointlessness that pervades many of these poems. It's as if the poet is searching for something but never quite finding it. While they do offer a little motivation here and there, after reading a dozen or so in a row, you start to feel a bit drained.

One interesting aspect of this collection is the frequent presence of birds and walls. They seem to be everywhere, almost like recurring motifs. It makes you wonder what they symbolize for the poet. Are they a representation of freedom and confinement, respectively? Or perhaps they hold some other deeper meaning that is not immediately apparent.

My personal favorite poems in this collection were his later works, specifically those in the chapter called “The Far Field“. There is a certain maturity and wisdom in these poems that I found quite appealing. They seem to be a reflection of the poet's life experiences and his evolving perspective on the world. However, despite my enjoyment of these particular poems, I have to admit that overall, this collection falls a bit flat.

The poet writes in a plain and simple language, which is both a strength and a weakness. On the one hand, it makes his poems accessible to a wide range of readers. On the other hand, I don't always understand what he's trying to convey. Perhaps it's because he lived a difficult life or a self-obsessive one, and his poems are a manifestation of his inner turmoil. In any case, while there are some亮点 in this collection, it ultimately fails to leave a lasting impression.

The Waking is a truly beautiful poem. It is not just a simple piece of writing but rather a profound collection that encapsulates the essence of life.

Each line within this poem seems to hold a hidden gem of wisdom, waiting to be discovered by the reader.

The words flow seamlessly, creating a rhythm that lulls the mind into a state of contemplation.

As one delves deeper into the poem, it becomes evident that it is a reflection on the various stages and experiences that make up our lives.

It explores themes such as self-awareness, growth, and the search for meaning.

The Waking has the power to touch the hearts and souls of those who read it, leaving a lasting impression and perhaps even inspiring them to look at their own lives in a new light.

It is a timeless piece of literature that will continue to be cherished and studied for generations to come.

Roethke was a contemporary of several other poets that I am currently reading.

Moreover, he also taught some poets whom I have a desire to read in the future.

It has been quite interesting to observe his progression as a poet.

The styles of his poetry clearly differed over the years.

There were a few poems of his that I found enjoyable, but unfortunately, nothing that really grabbed me in the same way as some other works have.

Perhaps with further exploration and a deeper understanding of his body of work, I will discover more that truly speaks to me.

Nonetheless, his place in the literary canon and his influence on other poets make him an important figure to study and appreciate.

Beginner,

A perpetual beginner,

The soul is in a state of confusion, not knowing what to believe.

In its small and confined folds, it stirs sluggishly,

In the tiniest corner of its life,

There is a pulse that is just beyond nothingness,

A pulse that represents a fearful ignorance.

This poem "What Can I Tell My Bones" by Theodore Roethke seems to capture the essence of a person who is constantly starting anew, yet is filled with uncertainty and a lack of knowledge. The soul, like a beginner, is searching for something to hold onto, but is lost in the vastness of existence. The use of vivid imagery, such as "small folds" and "least place of its life," creates a sense of confinement and insignificance. The "pulse beyond nothingness" and "fearful ignorance" further emphasize the state of confusion and lack of understanding. Overall, the poem offers a profound exploration of the human condition and the struggle to find meaning and belief in a world that can often seem overwhelming.