Sure on Shining Night by James Agee: The poem and Analysis

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The poem

Sure on this shining night

Of star made shadows round,

Kindness must watch for me

This side the ground. 

The late year lies down the north.

All is healed, all is health.

High summer holds the earth. 

Hearts all whole.

Sure on this shining night I weep for wonder wand\'ring far

alone

Of shadows on the stars.

The Analysis 

"Sure on Shining Night" by James Agee is a lyrical and introspective poem that celebrates the beauty and tranquility of a summer night. The poem is structured in a way that evokes a sense of peace and contemplation, with each line building upon the previous to create a mood of serenity and awe.

The poem begins by affirming the certainty of the speaker's feelings on this "shining night," where stars cast shadows and kindness seems to be watching over them. The use of "shining night" suggests a night filled with stars, creating a vivid image of a clear, beautiful evening.

The second stanza describes the late year lying down in the north, a metaphor suggesting the peaceful transition from summer to autumn. The phrase "All is healed, all is health" conveys a sense of renewal and restoration, as nature prepares for the change of seasons.

The third stanza continues the theme of health and wholeness, with "High summer" holding the earth and hearts being "all whole." This imagery suggests a sense of harmony and completeness, both in the natural world and within the speaker themselves.

The final stanza shifts slightly, as the speaker expresses a sense of wonder and loneliness while wandering alone under the stars. The shadows on the stars evoke a sense of mystery and beauty, prompting the speaker to weep in awe at the sight.

Overall, "Sure on Shining Night" is a poem that celebrates the beauty and tranquility of the natural world, while also exploring themes of wonder, solitude, and the interconnectedness of all things. Through its evocative imagery and contemplative tone, the poem invites readers to reflect on the beauty and mystery of the world around them.