Soil Of A Song Analysis Essay

Sort of a Song by William Carlos Williams is a song unsung by heroes of the pen: authors and poets. He describes writing as a moment of dull inhabitance characterized by sudden shocks of inspiration. His motive is unclear in whether or not he is supporting or antagonizing the art of writing, but his theme is clear: writing is a power captured in a moment’s notice that, when unobservant, leaves too quickly to be remembered. He describes the whole event as a near fatal one metaphorically symbolizing the pen as a snake, “Let the snake wait under his weed and the writing be of words, slow and quick, sharp to strike, quiet to wait, sleepless.” It is painful letting a moment’s idea slip away only leaving a mocking mark embedded in the subconscious
The lifeless mind may procrastinate for hours before a spike of motivation or an idea strikes. It is a quick motion and must be acted upon; otherwise, another hour may as well be added on to the wait. Williams creates a setting for the reader where a flower blooms amidst edged rocks. The flower is symbolic of the writer whom overcomes the rocks and divulges. His diction is commanding, direct, and short, “Compose,” “Invent!” He orders the reader to overcome these obstacles and find the passion necessary in writing. The word “saxifrage” is a reference to a small, low-bearing plant found common in rock gardens. He says that “saxifrage is his flower.” He relates himself to the flower due to its resilience. Malcolm Gladwell in Freakonomics often spoke on resilience and how the majority of kids born into poverty lived their adult lives in poverty. Resilience is a term used to single out independent variables that learn to overcome an amazing feat and find success inside their own barriers. Williams says, through the use of symbolism and supporting diction, that resilience is the key to writing. How else are we supposed to grow the saxifrage through the rocks other than to water