Poem Analysis - Forgotten Language

Introduction: A Lost Connection

Shel Silverstein's "Forgotten Language" is a wistful and melancholic poem that laments the loss of a childhood connection with the natural world. The tone is initially nostalgic, recalling a time of innocent understanding and easy communication with creatures and elements often overlooked by adults. However, this nostalgia quickly gives way to a feeling of regret and frustration, as the speaker struggles to remember this forgotten ability. The poem's simple language and repetitive structure heighten the sense of loss and yearning.

The Fading Echo of Nature's Voice

One of the central themes of the poem is the loss of innocence and the ability to perceive the world with childlike wonder. The opening lines detail a vibrant relationship with nature: speaking the language of flowers, understanding caterpillars, and conversing with houseflies. These images paint a picture of a speaker deeply attuned to the natural world, able to decipher its secrets and participate in its subtle dramas. This connection represents a state of pure, unadulterated perception, unburdened by adult cynicism or practicality.

The Silence of a Forgotten Tongue

The theme of communication and connection is also prominent. The poem suggests that the speaker once possessed a unique ability to connect with beings beyond the realm of human speech. This ability implies a profound sense of belonging and interconnectedness with all living things. The "gossip of the starlings," the "questions of the crickets," and the "crying of each falling dying flake of snow" all suggest a world alive with voices and perspectives, all of which were once accessible to the speaker. The loss of this ability signifies a separation not only from nature but also from a deeper understanding of the world and oneself.

Imagery of a Lost Paradise

The poem employs vivid imagery to evoke the speaker's lost connection with nature. The images of flowers, caterpillars, starlings, houseflies, crickets, and snowflakes all represent specific aspects of the natural world, each with its own unique language and perspective. These images are not merely decorative; they are symbolic representations of a deeper understanding that the speaker once possessed. The repetition of "Once I spoke the language of the flowers..." emphasizes the irretrievability of this lost connection, creating a sense of longing and regret.

Regret in a Repetitive Refrain

The phrase "How did it go? How did it go?" serves as a recurring refrain that underscores the speaker's frustration and despair. This question is not merely a request for information; it is an expression of profound regret and a yearning for a past that is now inaccessible. The repetition of the question amplifies the sense of loss and highlights the irreversible nature of time and experience. It suggests that once this language is forgotten, it may be impossible to recover.

Conclusion: A Universal Yearning

"Forgotten Language" is a poignant reflection on the loss of childhood innocence and the fading connection with the natural world. Through vivid imagery, nostalgic tone, and a haunting refrain, Silverstein captures the universal human experience of growing older and losing touch with the simple joys and profound understandings of youth. The poem ultimately serves as a reminder to cherish our connection with nature and to cultivate a sense of wonder and curiosity, lest we too forget the language of the flowers. The poem leaves us with a sense of melancholy, prompting us to consider what other "languages" we may have forgotten along the way.