George Szirtes, ‘Song’
Initially, this poem gives recognition to the smallest of
actions that have led to an accumulation of success. After following out these
actions, it can make a difference whether it have an impact on society or on a
global scale. This links to the dedication to Helen Suzman at the beginning of
the poem, she was a South African White Liberal Activist who campaigned against
the apartheid system. Suzman wanted to change the apartheid system, because the
system in South Africa stood for race segregation in terms of the reduction of
rights for the black inhabitants. It is clear that, she was an extremely
influential person who didn’t give up even when it was difficult in order to
make a change (Political). As well as revealing that the admiration for the
collective power of protest is hugely highlighted within the poem.
As the title strongly
suggests, the poem uses patterns of sounds which can be indicated through the
use of rhyme and repetition. Repetition is evident as the first and last
stanzas are similar until the last line, which is perhaps being used to mirror
the meaning of the build up to change. In the last stanza the turning point is
discovered as there is an adjustment in the last line in the first stanza, “Of
nothing happening, till something does” then to “Of nothing happening. Then
something does”. This change from ‘till’
to ‘then’ emphasises a crucial change and this single line changes the chorus
dramatically. As the line has now been spilt up into two sentences this could
show how one person has brought together many others, in a way just like a
chain reaction where a little action has influenced others in a gradual way.
The alteration of the sentence changes the meaning of it completely, which
shows that now the change is indivisible.
Moreover, the poem is
mirroring the basic structure of a song (Chorus/Verse/Chorus) which is spilt up
into three sections. The italic font identifies the distinction between the
chorus and the verse, the central two stanzas (Verse) comment on the
progression of change that is presented in the first and the last stanzas. In
the second stanza which is an example, shows how a single hand or voice when
joined with others can start the effect of change. This idea is explored
through the use of opposing images (heaviness and lightness), ‘One pale feather
tip the balance of a sinking ship’. The use of sibilance of ‘sinking ship’ puts
emphasis on the contrast between the weight of a ship and the lightness of the
feather, these two objects would not normally go together which could indicate
a conflict of interest. In the third
stanza alliteration is used ‘Heavy fate has hung’ the H sound is repeated which
suggests another significance to the emphasis of weight, but in a way to
illustrate that this change is trying to make an impact and have a solid place
and purpose.
Additionally, ‘Song’
has a regular rhyme pattern it is apparent the last two lines in each stanza
rhyme, for instance ‘tip’ and ‘ship’. As well as, the first and third lines
rhyme at the end, ‘sung’ and ‘hung’ are some more examples. The use of rhyme supports
the meaning of the poem because the fact that the rhyme is regular expresses
the stability and unity of people coming together as one. As the rhyme becomes
more evident, which is when the end of the two lines of each stanza rhyme this
links to a change becoming more effective as people are tied to a collectively
strong bond. This tends to happen when people protest together which links to
Helen Suzman in a way.
Song can be
linked to other poems, ‘The Furthest distances I’ve Travelled’ can be
contrasted in terms of how differently rhyme is used and the effects it has in
this poem compared to in ‘Song’ (Controlled, edgy humour). Also perhaps it
could be linked to ‘Effects’ because the themes are completely different to one
another ‘Song’ displays the changes people can make to the present which
benefits the future. Whereas in ‘Effects’ it is filled with regret because the
son is looking back at the past not being able to change it and shows a lot of
grief towards the mother.
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