I am a Rock

Today I taught my lit class how to approach an unseen poem.  And like the last time, I used a song; though it is something way before their time. (at least when lyrics were more meaningful)  It took them a while to dissect and analyse the words, because practical criticism is something you need to really respond to, with your senses, and a discerning mind.  Yes, mastering literature is an art by itself.

What did I use this time?
It is an old Paul Simon and Art Grafunkel (yes...the people who crooned Scarborough Fair so dreamily) song.  But just look at the lyrics...and lets see if you and I are on the same page on this. (and yes..it reminds me so much of someone I know)


I am a Rock - Paul Simon

A winter's day

In a deep and dark December;
I am alone,
Gazing from my window to the streets below
On a freshly fallen silent shroud of snow.
I am a rock,
I am an island.

I've built walls,
A fortress deep and mighty,
That none may penetrate.
I have no need of friendship; friendship causes pain.
It's laughter and it's loving I disdain.
I am a rock,
I am an island.

Don't talk of love,
But I've heard the words before;
It's sleeping in my memory.
I won't disturb the slumber of feelings that have died.
If I never loved I never would have cried.
I am a rock,
I am an island.

I have my books
And my poetry to protect me;
I am shielded in my armor,
Hiding in my room, safe within my womb.
I touch no one and no one touches me.
I am a rock,
I am an island.

And a rock feels no pain;
And an island never cries.

Who is the persona kidding?
This is the voice, who is trying so hard to convince himself that he is independent and stoic.
But what is he really comes across as a lost hurt soul...who is in need to the very things that he claims to be rejecting.

I hope you will learn a lesson from this.

Dear God,
Slowly...I climb.
Ameen