Language 2: This is Just to Say

"This is Just to Say"

-William Carlos Williams

Williams employs very plain language with very short sentences in supporting his theme. Yet, it seems as though this simplicity is actually what makes this poem unique. The words he uses epitomize concision. He uses words such as spontaneous and unplanned, which point to his apparent belief that life must be lived "in the moment", so to speak. This causes the speaker to make daring decisions regardless of risk. This is evident in his eating of plums even though someone else was saving them. His many transitory thoughts also seem to point to his overall lack of care for planning or foresight. The speaker lives in the moment, even in his language. Towards the end of the poem the speaker says "forgive me", realizing that he made an error. The speaker at the very least does pay attention to the past and cares enough about the future of his relationships with others in order to let go of his childish behavior and take responsibility like an adult. He accepts his decision instead of trying to hide it. The poem calls people to reach for opportunities, and take advantage of the ones that present themselves. The author wants his readers to live in the moment, but still pay attention to the consequences. He is trying to display a sense of daring along with the support of thoughtful intentions. He is using language to display his life's philosophy and why it it worth adopting.