The First Taste of Plums

Throughout my life, I have never been a real poetry fan.  In fact, I would often comment on how much I despised this genre of literature in general, as I believed, and still often do, that most poetry is "fluff," and overdramatic portrayal of everyday occurrences.  So when I saw the first poem of the year, and saw it was about fruit, my skeptical side kicked in.  I was ready to be critical, to say the least, and, at first, I was.
Then, our discussion began.  For the entire period, we talked about the implications of the poem, the real meaning behind what the poet was talking about.  And, although "it is very painful for me to be forced to speak the truth," I found myself enjoying the simple poem and the elegance of exposing deeper emotions through a short, simple, and off-topic poem (Wilde 40).
However, as wise Algernon noted, "The truth is rarely pure and never simple" (Wilde 6).  Reading this wonderful poem did not convert me into a poetry lover.  Many poems still have that same, original effect- I despise them, laughing after the first three lines at the poet I imagine, sitting their comparing love to a teapot and thinking they are wildly deep.  It is true, however, that this first poem really did a great deal to improve my opinion of poetry, especially modern.

So, “At last!”  (Wilde 54).  My appreciation for poetry has finally emerged.  I hope you enjoy this flashback to our early days of AP English 12- now we’re almost done!

This is just to Say

I have eaten

the plums

that were in

the icebox

and which

you were probably
saving
for breakfast

Forgive me
they were delicious
so sweet
and so cold

William Carlos Williams