Letter to My Great, Great Grandchild

Letter to My Great, Great Grandchild

By J.P. Grasser

Oh button, don’t go thinking we loved pianos
more than elephants, air conditioning more than air.

We loved honey, just loved it, and went into stores
to smell the sweet perfume of unworn leather shoes.

Did you know, on the coast of Africa, the Sea Rose
and Carpenter Bee used to depend on each other?

The petals only opened for the Middle C their wings
beat, so in the end, we protested with tuning forks.

You must think we hated the stars, the empty ladles,
because they conjured thirst. We didn’t. We thanked

them and called them lucky, we even bought the rights
to name them for our sweethearts. Believe it or not,

most people kept plants like pets and hired kids
like you to water them, whenever they went away.

And ice! Can you imagine? We put it in our coffee
and dumped it out at traffic lights, when it plugged up

our drinking straws. I had a dog once, a real dog,
who ate venison and golden yams from a plastic dish.

He was stubborn, but I taught him to dance and play
dead with a bucket full of chicken livers. And we danced

too, you know, at weddings and wakes, in basements
and churches, even when the war was on. Our cars

we mostly named for animals, and sometimes we drove
just to drive, to clear our heads of everything but wind.

Summary of Letter to My Great, Great Grandchild

J.P. Grasser’s “Letter to My Great, Great Grandchild” is a captivating poem that presents a nostalgic reflection on past lifestyles, delivered as advice to a future descendant. The poem, originally published in 2020 as part of the American Poets series, subtly contrasts the perceived luxuries of the future with the simpler, more natural joys of the past. The “button” addressed isn’t meant to misunderstand the values of previous generations. They cherished genuine experiences like the scent of leather, the interconnectedness of nature (illustrated by the Sea Rose and Carpenter Bee), and the simple act of companionship with pets. The poem isn’t a condemnation of progress, but a gentle reminder of what was valued before conveniences shadowed connection, and a playful challenge to remember a time when life was different, and perhaps, equally fulfilling.

The central idea revolves around the speaker’s desire for their great-great-grandchild to understand and appreciate the values of previous generations. It’s a plea to remember a world where people found joy in simple pleasures, respected nature, and fostered genuine connections. The poem explores themes of environmental awareness, the importance of appreciating the natural world, and the enduring human need for connection and joy.

Analysis of Literary Devices Used in Letter to My Great, Great Grandchild

Grasser expertly employs a variety of literary devices to create a poem that is both evocative and thought-provoking. These devices contribute to the poem’s overall meaning and enhance its aesthetic appeal.

Allusion

Allusion is the indirect reference to well-known people, places, events, literary works, myths, or works of art. The poem contains subtle allusions that enrich its meaning. For example, the reference to “Middle C” connects to the world of music and evokes a sense of harmonious interaction, mirroring the relationship between the Sea Rose and the Carpenter Bee. The allusions aren’t overt, but create layers of meaning for those familiar with the references.

Assonance and Consonance

Grasser uses sound devices to create musicality within the free verse structure. Assonance, the repetition of vowel sounds, can be seen in lines like “Oh button, don’t go thinking we loved pianos” where the repeated ‘o’ sound creates a soothing effect. Consonance, the repetition of consonant sounds, is present in “too, you know, at weddings and wakes” where the repeated ‘w’ sound adds emphasis and a sense of rhythm. These subtle sound devices contribute to the poem’s overall flow and musicality.

Imagery

Imagery is the use of vivid language to create mental pictures for the reader. The poem is rich in imagery, appealing to multiple senses. Consider the line “smell the sweet perfume of unworn leather shoes.” This image evokes a specific sensory experience, creating a tangible feeling of nostalgia and luxury. Similarly, the image of a dog “eating venison and golden yams” is a vibrant and unusual detail that brings the poem to life. The skillful use of imagery allows the reader to fully immerse themselves in the poem’s world.

Enjambment

Enjambment occurs when a line of poetry runs over into the next line without punctuation, creating a sense of momentum and flow. Grasser uses enjambment frequently throughout the poem. For instance:

You must think we hated the stars, the empty ladles,
because they conjured thirst. We didn’t. We thanked

The continuation of the thought onto the next line creates a natural rhythm and emphasizes the connection between ideas. This technique mimics the natural flow of speech and adds to the poem’s conversational tone.

Rhetorical Question

The poem strategically utilizes rhetorical questions, questions not meant to be answered, but to provoke thought. “And ice! Can you imagine?” isn’t seeking a response, but rather asking the reader to consider a commonplace item from a different perspective, inviting them to reflect on a time when something so simple was a novelty. This technique engages the reader and encourages them to actively participate in the poem’s meaning.

Simile

Grasser employs simile, a comparison using “like” or “as,” to create vivid imagery and draw connections. “most people kept plants like pets” directly compares the care given to plants to that of animals, highlighting a close connection to nature and a gentle approach to life. This comparison is simple but effective, emphasizing a value that the speaker wishes to convey.

Symbolism

Symbolism is the use of objects or ideas to represent something else. While not heavy-handed, certain images carry symbolic weight. For example, the ice, while literally a frozen substance, can symbolize a fleeting luxury or a simpler time. The dog, with its eccentric diet and playful nature, can represent companionship and the joy of living in the moment. These symbolic elements add layers of meaning to the poem.

Analysis of Poetic Devices Used in Letter to My Great, Great Grandchild

Beyond the literary devices mentioned, several poetic devices contribute to the poem’s overall effect.

Free Verse

The poem is written in free verse, meaning it does not adhere to a strict rhyme scheme or metrical pattern. This allows Grasser to create a natural and conversational tone, mimicking the way one might address a future descendant. The lack of formal constraints also allows for greater flexibility in rhythm and pacing.

Tone

The tone of the poem is complex, shifting between nostalgic, whimsical, and gently admonishing. The speaker’s voice is conversational and intimate, as if sharing a secret with a distant relative. There’s a sense of fondness for the past, but also a subtle concern that future generations might lose touch with what truly matters. This nuanced tone adds depth and complexity to the poem.

Couplet

Though free verse, the poem frequently utilizes couplets, two lines that follow each other, often creating a sense of completion or emphasis. This subtle technique provides a sense of structure and rhythm within the free verse form.

In conclusion, “Letter to My Great, Great Grandchild” is a beautifully crafted poem that celebrates the simple joys of life and reminds us of the importance of connection, nature, and mindful living. Through skillful use of literary and poetic devices, Grasser creates a work that is both evocative and thought-provoking, resonating with readers long after they’ve finished reading.