Link to "One Today": http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/one-today/
This poem is called “One Today” by Richard Blanco. As I started to read this poem, I thought it was rather inspirational. He doesn't just speak about one group of people, he talks about everyone. He says “All of us as vital as the one light we move through”, which I translate as meaning that we all are living under the same sun, each contributing something to our world (16). Whether we “clean tables, read ledgers, or save lives” we are contributing to something greater (13). He appreciates all of the work people do when he says, “Thank the work of our hands: weaving steel into bridges, finishing one more report for the boss on time, stitching another wound or uniform, the first brush stroke on a portrait, or the last floor on the Freedom Tower jutting into the sky that yields to our resilience” (49-54). Most people just forget about those who build the schools we learn in, create the newsletters that we read, and fix the bridges we drive across, but not Blanco. He also ties the reader into his vision, as he states, “My face, your face, millions of faces in morning's mirrors, each one yawning to life, crescendoing into our day” (7). It makes the reader realize that we are one of many humans traversing through life in similar routines. I sense that he gives a sense of nationalism when he says “One ground. Our ground, rooting us to every stalk of corn” (27-28). Corn stalks are to the ground as citizens are to their country. The nationalism and patriotic feelings we share bring us together even more. On the contrary, the poem got very sad through the lines 21-26. He talks about children “marked absent today, and forever” in schools, which is a very sad topic nowadays, considering how many school shootings have happened in the last decade (21-22). He even talks about the feeling of grief about the death of these children by describing it as an “impossible vocabulary of sorrow” (20). It is such a sad topic, that there aren't even enough words to describe how the families feel. This dark section of the poem really brings the negative aspect of America. It may have started off by giving a good patriotic feeling, but then it hits you with the reality of life and how not everyone is working for the benefit of others. It's something that we can't just ignore. I really enjoyed reading this poem. It was beautifully written with lots of descriptive words and figurative language to bring it to life. I like how this poem also reveals how America truly is, with both of its positive and negative characteristics. We are all just people with dreams to chase, jobs to do, and families to care for. We each do our part, no matter how small, in order to contribute to the society that we have created. Some people in our country do not follow that standard, and go out of their way to harm us and break our nation apart, and there is no way we can get rid of all of them, because they are apart of this country too. There will always be corruption somewhere in our world, and we just have to keep fighting to keep order.
18 Comments
scammy
7/10/2016 08:20:25 am
great analysis 10/10 u got kik
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Eng
4/11/2016 02:09:43 pm
Wow, Cami.
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7/10/2016 09:24:09 am
Though I enjoyed your analysis, I wish you had included the poem to read in your blog. The quotes you included in your blog do sound really beautiful and the euphony your poet uses in your included quotes creates a peaceful, unifying tone.
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Jessica
7/10/2016 09:32:33 am
Thanks for the feedback! I thought i had put a link, but I will consider that for my next post. :)
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Jessica
7/10/2016 09:57:28 am
Just added a link. I hope that helps! The poem is kind of long, so it's easier to do it this way. :D
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Ashley Guishard
7/10/2016 09:28:51 am
Hi Jess!
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Jessica
7/10/2016 09:38:12 am
Hello! Thank you for your response! The "American Dream" really is captured throughout the beginning.
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Kirstie
7/10/2016 09:32:50 am
This was a well written. I loved how you analyzed the positive and negative aspects of America in this poem. You used great examples that showed the true theme of your poem. Keep up the good work!
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Jessica
7/10/2016 09:41:49 am
Thank you so much!
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Grayson
7/10/2016 11:08:32 am
First off, I love the idea of the poem you analyzed, I completely agree with its overall meaning. I can tell you put some real effort into your analysis through your descriptions and usage of scattered quotes! I agree with my classmate Madeline, put your poem up next time so we can read it and compare our thoughts to yours!
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Eric
13/2/2020 07:04:34 pm
Piip
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Daniel
7/10/2016 11:39:21 am
I enjoyed reading your analysis of "One Today." My favorite part of your analysis was your incorporation of nationalism. I think that this nationalism and sense of unity tie into the title of the meaning as "One Today." Overall, your analysis is really good and I enjoyed reading the poem as well!
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Soham
9/10/2016 12:03:29 pm
Hi Jessica, I also agree with your analysis of the poem and its overall meaning. I think that it is important that the poet write this poem as it shows how all people in this country are connected and relate to each other, and that everyone has a lot of the same experiences as one another.
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Lauren
9/10/2016 08:24:39 pm
I really enjoyed how you took time to add in your own personal reflection of the poem at the end rather than just analyze the poem and leave it at that. I also enjoyed how you added frequent quotes to give evidence to support your analysis. Your analysis is in depth and on point. Overall, great work!
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Maggie
9/10/2016 09:06:19 pm
Hi! I enjoyed your analysis of the poem. Although concise, I think you touched on the key points of the poem and also did a great job adding your own personal reflections. I like how you recognized that the poem discusses both the good and bad aspects of our country, because we all know that no nation is perfect. Furthermore, I enjoyed how you made the poem relatable to all types of people. I can't wait to read more of your posts in the future!
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dutch
19/4/2018 11:05:33 pm
Wonderful. You supported your analysis with hard and realistic evidence. BRAVO. :)
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Dallas
14/8/2018 10:19:45 am
If it wasn't for your analysis i would probably fail my assignment so thank you!!!
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Tatyanna
28/1/2021 07:53:56 pm
THIS WAS GREAT! i love your view on this.
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