Model Poem: Apology

Model poem is usually written by a renown poet. There are many kinds of model poems. One of them is apology. The following is the example of analyzing a model poem: apology

This Is Just To Say

by William Carlos Williams

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

1.  Poetic Devices Analysis

     a.  Rhyme

          There isn't a word over three syllables in the poems entirety and the poem itself is only 28 words. This poem does not have a rhyme scheme.

     b.  Rhythm

          The poem consist of two stanzas, the first stanza consist of eight feet which is called octameter while the second one is called tetrameter because it consists of four feet.

     c.  Alliteration

          The poem does not have any alliteration.

     d.  Onomatopoeia

          The poet does not use onomatopoeia in this poem.

     e.  Repetition

          There is not any repetition in the above poem

     f.  Comparison

         The poet uses Hyperbole in this poem, we can see in the last second line of the second stanza. William describes the tastes of the plums by using the overstatement expression. He intends the reader to imagine how tantalize the plums are.

2.  Poetic Diction

     Williams’ choice of words in the above poem is very simple one. He uses the denotation words in expressing his feeling, but actually it represents a deeper and interpretative meaning.

3.  Theme

     The theme of the poem is apologies

4.  Message

     People should be honest in facing the reality of their life.

5.  Symbol

     There are two symbols in this poem, the first is plums, it is symbolized worldly joys and the second is ice box which is symbolized the universe.

6.  Comments

     "This Is Just To Say" by William Carlos Williams' is an example of  imagist poetry. It paints a concrete picture for the reader while expressing a deeper meaning.

     Imagist poetry can be difficult to define because there are many perceptions of what exactly it is. The language in this poem is very crisp, clear and to the point. This poem can be a good model in teaching our students, because it uses simple forms, simple words and easy to understand.

The following example is an analysis of model poem (apology). However, it is not composed by an Unknown Author

I’m Sorry Poems

Three words, eight letters, so difficult to say.
They're stuck inside of me, they try and stay away.
But this is too important to let them have their way.
I need to do it now, I must do it today.
I am sorry.

Unknown Author

1.  Poetic Devices Analysis

     a.  Rhyme

          -    The rhyme scheme of the above poem is : A-A-A-A-B

          -    The poem has an end rhyme, because its rhyme places at the end of a stanza rhyme. This poem also has a visual rhyme. The last line has a similar spelling but pronounced differently.

     b.  Rhythm

          The above poem is considered as Quintet because it has five lines in one stanza.

     c.  Alliteration

          There is not any Alliteration on the above poem

     d.  Onomatopoeia

          There is not any form of Onomatopoeia on the above poem

     e.  Repetition

          The poet does not use repetition

     f.  Comparison

          We can find the form of personification in the poem. The poet gives human qualities to the thing or abstraction, he says, “They're stuck inside of me, they try and stay away”. In this case, they refer to “words”.

2.  Poetic Diction

     The words employ in the above poem is a denotation meaning. The words are concise and easy to understand.

3.  Theme

     The theme of the poem is apologies

4.  Message

     People should be aware of the importance of saying sorry

5.  Symbol

     The words, “words and letters” symbolizes I’m sorry (asking for apology)

6.  Comments

     This short poem talks about the difficulty that people often have in expressing their regret. This poem works well in a situation where you've been a little stubborn to correct your wrongdoing. As the model presented above, this poem also a good source in teaching your students. The simplicity of the forms and words can be a reason in choosing this poem. We believe, reading this poem will enhance your apology.

Analyzed by Na’imatul Muflikhah, Masduki, and M. Arizal Safari