Vintage Case

Vintage

Change is something that all people can relate to. From the time we are born until we pass away, we go through many changes. These changes may be for the better or worse but in the end they will all help build who we are. The poem "Change" by Raymond Knister talks about the inevitable changes that will come in life, and how they will build our character. The word "vintage" describes something with age and maturity; characterized as distinct, classic, or enduring. This means that even when the change is negative, in the end, it helps build character and we become "vintage". That is the main impression given in the poem "Change" and it is shown through its comparisons of humans to nature, word choice, and repetition. All of these help communicate to idea to the reader of accepting change.

"You will be you yourself, I'll find you more, not else, for vintage of the woeful years. (Lines 9-11)" The main message in the poem is expressed in these three lines. He suggests that instead of times of trial making you less of a person, they actually help you age and become more mature. This same idea can be seen in everyday life, in people who have suffered. Take a friend, for example, who has lost a parent and for a while feels nothing but despair over the situation. In the end, is it not for the better? They come out of the situation having learned something; they become more "vintage". They endure despite what is going on in their lives and that shows character. This characteristic is something to be valued to ability to overcome something in your life and, according to Raymond Kinister; you are still the same person afterwards. As humans we mature, change, and adapt because that is human nature but after it is all said and done we are still the same person.

This idea is best represented through the comparison to nature. "The sea's breast heaves in sighs to the moon, but they are the moon and the sea forever. (Lines 5-6)" The personifications in "Change" help communicate the idea that he is actually talking about human nature. This comparison of the moon and the sea is the line that stood out the most to me. It is something almost everyone will see in their lives: waves in the ocean. No two waves are the same; they are constantly moving and constantly changing. However, despite this motion it is still the ocean and it always will be. This helps communicate the idea that although there is this constant change, we are still the same person. It paint's a picture in the readers head and draws the conclusion that they are actually referring to change in people. This idea is also enforced by the full circle ending.

The line "I shall not wonder more, then, but I shall know. (Line 1-2 and 15-16)' creates a full circle ending. This to me signifies the importance