WHAT IS THE SUMMARY OF THIS POEM??

How do YOU summarize this poem? We'll be glad to comment on your summary.

The Journey

One day you finally knew
what you had to do, and began,
though the voices around you
kept shouting
their bad advice --
though the whole house
began to tremble
and you felt the old tug
at your ankles.
"Mend my life!"
each voice cried.
But you didn't stop.
You knew what you had to do,
though the wind pried
with its stiff fingers
at the very foundations,
though their melancholy
was terrible.
It was already late
enough, and a wild night,
and the road full of fallen
branches and stones.
But little by little,
as you left their voices behind,
the stars began to burn
through the sheets of clouds,
and there was a new voice
which you slowly
recognized as your own,
that kept you company
as you strode deeper and deeper
into the world,
determined to do
the only thing you could do --
determined to save
the only life you could save.


~ Mary Oliver ~

I think it means no one else can change you but yourself.

To provide a summary of a poem, I would need the text of the poem you are referring to. Without the poem itself, I am unable to generate a summary. However, I can provide guidance on how to summarize a poem.

1. Read the poem: Begin by carefully reading the poem multiple times to grasp its overall message and understand its themes, ideas, and emotions.

2. Identify the main subject: Determine the main topic or subject of the poem. What is the poem primarily about? Consider any recurring symbols, metaphors, or images.

3. Analyze the structure: Examine the structure of the poem, including the number of stanzas, lines, and overall form. Look for patterns, repetitions, or any specific techniques the poet used.

4. Identify literary devices: Identify any literary devices employed by the poet, such as metaphors, similes, personification, or alliteration. Analyzing these devices will provide insight into the poem's meaning and purpose.

5. Consider the tone and mood: Determine the emotional tone and mood of the poem. Is it joyful, melancholic, contemplative, or celebratory? Understanding the overall atmosphere can help shape the summary.

6. Summarize the main ideas: Based on your analysis, concisely summarize the main ideas or messages conveyed in the poem. Focus on the key themes and the poet's intentions.

By following these steps, you should be able to create a summary of a poem. Remember, poetry often leaves room for interpretation, so your summary might differ slightly from someone else's.