Themes:
* The Passage of Time: The poem captures the essence of late summer, a time of abundance and approaching change. The "heavy-headed" sunflowers, the "purple" and "gold" of the wildflowers, and the "late-blooming" roses all signify the culmination of growth and the imminent arrival of autumn. This can be seen as a metaphor for the passage of time in human life, with the arrival of old age and eventual mortality.
* Appreciation of Nature: The poem invites the reader to pause and appreciate the beauty of the natural world. Oliver's detailed descriptions of the flowers, the sky, and the "sweet-smelling" breeze create a vivid picture of the season's abundance. This appreciation emphasizes the importance of slowing down and savoring life's simple pleasures.
* Transience: The poem's theme of transience is central to its message. The "brief" summer, the "sun" that "goes down," and the flowers that will eventually fade and die, all symbolize the fleeting nature of life. This reminder of impermanence serves as a call to live fully in the present moment.
* Acceptance and Letting Go: The poem's final lines, "The day is coming, I know, when the last one / will close its gold eye / and the sun will go down," suggest a sense of acceptance of the natural cycle of life and death. This can be seen as a message about accepting change and letting go of what we can't control.
Symbolism:
* The Sun: The setting sun symbolizes the passage of time and the inevitable end of all things.
* Flowers: The flowers represent the beauty and fragility of life, constantly in bloom but destined to wither.
* The "Gold Eye": The sunflower's "gold eye" can be interpreted as a symbol of awareness, perspective, or even a spiritual connection to the world.
Overall Meaning:
Mary Oliver's "August" is a poignant reminder of the beauty and transience of life. It encourages us to appreciate the present moment, to find joy in the simple things, and to accept the natural cycle of growth and decay. The poem's focus on nature allows us to see the human experience reflected in the world around us, reminding us that we are all part of a larger, interconnected whole.
Ultimately, the poem leaves us with a sense of peace and acceptance, a feeling that even though life is fleeting, it is still a beautiful and precious gift.