Poems Teach Lessons

Notice

Steve Kowit

This evening, the sturdy Levi's
I wore every day for over a year
& which seemed to the end
in perfect condition,
suddenly tore.
How or why I don't know,
but there it was: a big rip at the crotch.
A month ago my friend Nick
walked off a racquetball court,
showered,
got into this street clothes,
& halfway home collapsed & died.
Take heed, you who read this,
& drop to your knees now & again
like the poet Christopher Smart,
& kiss the earth & be joyful,
& make much of your time,
& be kindly to everyone,
even to those who do not deserve it.
For although you may not believe
it will happen,
you too will one day be gone,
I, whose Levi's ripped at the crotch
for no reason,
assure you that such is the case.
Pass it on.

This poem, written in FREE VERSE, gives a clear message to the reader. One must live life as if it were the last day he or she would spend on earth. Just like the author's Levi's ripping, not everything lives forever, including people. Even if something or someone seems to be in perfect shape or condition, death can come at any time. Steve Kowit tells the reader to be happy and enjoy life because life is just too short. One never knows when his or her time will come. Time flies by and one must make the best of life - make it count - because you cannot get time back. I believe this poem holds much truth about life, and I hope many people take this POET'S advice. The author uses IMAGERY when he describes the rip as "a big rip at the crotch." Also, a SIMILE is used when the WORDSMITH writes: "drop to your knees now and again like the poet Christopher Smart." The POET writes his work in one STANZA. This poem will stick with me for many reasons. I really liked how Steve talked about his Levi's - something not very significant - first to show how some things happen for no reason. Then he went on to talk about his dead friend. This turn in the poem was shocking, but it did help get a point across. I also love the last line: "Pass it on." The author wants people to enjoy the time they have on Earth. I love how he gives advice to the reader becuase his message is then clearer. Sometimes life is not fair, but one must live it to the fullest in order to be happy and successful. So, pass it on!