Welcome to Poem of the Day – Just the Way It Is by Shuntaro Tanikawa.
Shuntaro Tanikawa, one of Japan’s most renowned poets, has captivated readers around the world with his profound reflections on life, humanity, and the universe. Tanikawa’s poetry is characterized by its simplicity, clarity, and emotional depth, making it accessible to a wide audience while still resonating deeply with those who seek meaning in the everyday.
One of his most striking poems is “Just the Way It Is” (Sono Mama no Koto). This poem captures Tanikawa’s unique perspective on the world, offering an exploration of the ordinary and the extraordinary, the transient and the eternal. In this article, we will explore the meaning of the poem, examine its literary devices, and understand how Tanikawa’s personal experiences and cultural background influence his work. We will also discuss the themes of acceptance, simplicity, and the natural flow of life, which are central to the poem.
Just the Way It Is Poem
A dear deceased friend is
again at a loss
in front of a travel bag
In the futile search for our souls
we stay behind
sitting in front of almond-flavored tofu desserts
The rain has stopped
the sky is made lighter by the sun behind thin clouds
stock quotes flicker in the town
Everything moves on
just the way it is
heading toward memories
Just the Way It Is Poem Explanation
“Just the Way It Is” consists of short, straightforward lines that describe the poet’s observations of the world. The language is simple, yet each word carries weight, and there is a quiet reverence for the things that surround the poet. Tanikawa uses ordinary, everyday images to explore complex ideas about existence, fate, and the unchangeable nature of life.
At the core of the poem is the concept of accepting life as it is. The phrase “just the way it is” implies a sense of surrender to the world’s inherent imperfections and contradictions. There is no call for change, no striving for something better, no desire to escape the present. Instead, Tanikawa encourages readers to embrace life in its entirety, without the need for explanation or justification.
Themes of Acceptance and Surrender
One of the central themes in “Just the Way It Is” is acceptance. Tanikawa reflects on how life unfolds naturally, without interference or manipulation. The poem suggests that, rather than trying to change or control life, one should simply accept it as it is.
This theme of acceptance is prevalent in many of Tanikawa’s works. He often writes about the importance of recognizing the beauty in the mundane, the transient nature of life, and the futility of resistance. “Just the Way It Is” echoes these ideas, urging readers to let go of their desires for perfection or control and to find peace in the present moment.
The simplicity of the poem, with its unadorned language, underscores the idea that life is often more straightforward than we make it out to be. Our attempts to complicate, fix, or improve things can often lead to frustration or dissatisfaction. Tanikawa’s message is that everything exists in a delicate balance, and it is often our own perceptions and expectations that create the struggle.
The Role of Nature in the Poem
Nature plays a significant role in Tanikawa’s poetry, and “Just the Way It Is” is no exception. The poet uses imagery from the natural world to highlight the fundamental truths of existence. In his poems, nature serves as both a metaphor and a direct representation of the forces beyond human control.
In this poem, nature is not described in elaborate detail but is instead presented as a force that moves in its own time, without the need for human intervention. The images of nature are not overly romanticized or idealized, but instead are presented in their raw, unfiltered form. This approach reflects Tanikawa’s belief in the inherent beauty of the world, even in its simplest and most unrefined aspects.
The poem’s connection to nature also reinforces the theme of surrender. Nature does not ask for approval or permission to exist; it simply does. By acknowledging the natural world as it is, Tanikawa encourages readers to adopt a similar attitude toward their own lives.
Simplicity and Clarity in Language
Tanikawa’s use of simple, clear language is one of the hallmarks of his style. His poetry often avoids complex metaphors or elaborate symbolism in favor of direct, accessible language. In “Just the Way It Is,” this simplicity is especially effective because it reflects the poem’s core message: that life, in its essence, is simple and unadorned.
The straightforward nature of the poem invites readers to connect with it on an emotional level. There is no barrier of complex language or abstract concepts to navigate. Instead, the poem allows the reader to experience its message without distraction. This clarity of expression is a key feature of Tanikawa’s work, making his poems resonate with readers of all ages and backgrounds.
The Universal Nature of the Poem
Although Tanikawa is a Japanese poet deeply embedded in his cultural and historical context, “Just the Way It Is” speaks to universal truths. The themes of acceptance, surrender, and the simplicity of life are not bound by nationality, language, or time. Readers from all over the world can relate to the poem’s central message, regardless of their cultural background.
Tanikawa’s ability to convey deep philosophical ideas through simple language is what makes his work so universally appealing. The poem does not require any specialized knowledge or cultural understanding to appreciate its significance. Instead, it offers a timeless and universal perspective on life’s most fundamental questions.
Literary Devices and Techniques in the Poem
Although the language of “Just the Way It Is” is simple, Tanikawa still employs several literary devices that enhance the depth of the poem. Let’s take a closer look at some of the techniques he uses to convey his message.
Repetition: The phrase “just the way it is” is repeated several times throughout the poem. This repetition serves to emphasize the core message of acceptance and resignation. By repeating the phrase, Tanikawa drives home the idea that life does not need to be altered or understood; it simply is.
Imagery: Tanikawa uses subtle yet powerful imagery to evoke the natural world and human experience. The images he conjures are not ornate or exaggerated but are grounded in the reality of everyday life. This naturalistic imagery reinforces the theme of accepting things as they are.
Metaphor: While the poem avoids heavy metaphors, it does contain subtle comparisons between life and nature. These metaphors suggest that life, like nature, moves in its own time and rhythm. By likening human existence to the natural world, Tanikawa highlights the universal, cyclical nature of life.
Tone: The tone of the poem is quiet, meditative, and contemplative. There is no urgency or demand for action; instead, the tone encourages reflection and introspection. The calmness of the tone mirrors the poem’s message of peace and acceptance.
Pacing: The pace of the poem is slow and deliberate. The simplicity of the language, coupled with the repetition of key phrases, creates a rhythm that encourages the reader to pause and reflect. This pacing invites a deeper engagement with the poem’s message.
The Poet’s Personal Background and Influence
Shuntaro Tanikawa’s personal experiences and cultural background are crucial to understanding his poetry. Born in 1931 in Japan, Tanikawa grew up during a period of great social and political upheaval. Japan was recovering from the devastation of World War II, and Tanikawa’s formative years were marked by the tension between traditional values and the rapid modernization of Japanese society.
These experiences shaped Tanikawa’s worldview and are reflected in his poetry. His poems often express a longing for peace, simplicity, and connection with the natural world. He was deeply influenced by traditional Japanese literature, as well as Western literary movements, which helped him develop a unique poetic voice that blends both Eastern and Western sensibilities.
Tanikawa’s poetry also reflects his interest in the philosophical and existential questions that arise from human existence. “Just the Way It Is” is a prime example of how Tanikawa grapples with the big questions of life, using simple language to express profound insights.
Conclusion
“Just the Way It Is” is a powerful and introspective poem that encourages readers to embrace life as it is, without trying to change or resist it. Through its simplicity, clarity, and natural imagery, the poem conveys a profound message of acceptance, surrender, and peace. Tanikawa’s ability to capture complex emotions in straightforward language is what makes his work so compelling and timeless.
The poem resonates with readers from all walks of life because its themes are universal. Whether we are grappling with personal struggles, societal pressures, or the complexity of existence, Tanikawa reminds us that sometimes the best approach is to accept things just the way they are. In doing so, we may find a deeper sense of peace and understanding in our own lives. Tanikawa’s work continues to inspire readers around the world, offering a reminder that, in the end, life’s simplicity and its inherent beauty lie in accepting the world and ourselves as they are.
