Author: A. R. Ammons
A day without rain is like a day without sunshine
Type of Poem: Epigram
Date Written:
Date Published:
Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Publisher:
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Comments/Notes: This is a brief, yet thought-provoking poem that plays with paradoxical ideas and the notion of absence in its two lines. The poet uses a subtle, ironic tone to challenge typical idioms and expectations, thereby reframing the reader's perspective.
The poem's theme revolves around the idea of natural elements and their presence or absence in our daily lives. The first line introduces a concept of a "day without rain," which is typically considered a pleasant day. However, in the second line, the poet cleverly juxtaposes this with "a day without sunshine," which is usually seen as bleak or dreary. This unexpected comparison suggests an equal importance and appreciation for both sun and rain, and perhaps even the beauty found within life's dichotomies. The poet has employed a simple yet effective structural device, using a single simile to encapsulate this complex idea. The brevity of the poem doesn't diminish its impact, but rather, draws the reader into its profound simplicity.