Welcome to Poem of the Day – Giggle by Shuntaro Tanikawa.
Shuntaro Tanikawa, one of Japan’s most celebrated and widely recognized poets, has significantly influenced modern Japanese poetry. Known for his simple yet profound poetic style, Tanikawa often explores themes of childhood, imagination, and the essence of human nature. Born in 1931 in Tokyo, Tanikawa was a member of the post-war generation of Japanese poets who sought to rebuild a society that was scarred by the devastating effects of World War II.
Tanikawa’s work has been praised for its accessibility, but this simplicity does not undermine the depth of his themes. He captures complex human emotions with an economy of words, making his poetry widely relatable. Among his vast body of work, “Giggle” stands out as a prime example of his unique poetic voice and approach.
Giggle Poem
“I gave birth to a fish”
says the woman
“I freed it in the sea right away”
Giggling under the breath
I am downtown
people are sick of other people
What shall we do now?
Shall we go see
our dead friends?
Here I am, not understanding anything
not knowing anything
I open a pocket paperback for now, but
All that comes to
my mind is:
It’s a fine day
Giggle Poem Explanation
In his poem “Giggle,” Tanikawa invites readers to experience the innocence of laughter and its transformative power. The poem is part of his collection “Poem A Day,” which features a poem for each day of the year, offering readers a glimpse into Tanikawa’s world. “Giggle,” as part of this daily collection, holds a special place for its playful exploration of joy and humor.
At first glance, the poem appears simple—a small observation about an everyday occurrence. However, as with many of Tanikawa’s works, a deeper examination reveals intricate layers of meaning. The poem offers a reflection on the fleeting nature of laughter, its universal appeal, and its ability to connect people across time and space.
The Power of Laughter
Laughter is a recurring theme in Tanikawa’s poetry, and in “Giggle,” it serves as a bridge between different realms: the individual and the collective, the present and the past, innocence and wisdom. The act of giggling, often associated with children, symbolizes a pure and untainted form of expression. It is spontaneous, involuntary, and often contagious. Through this seemingly lighthearted act, Tanikawa explores its deeper significance as a manifestation of joy, playfulness, and vulnerability.
Tanikawa’s portrayal of laughter is not confined to a single emotional state. Rather, it becomes a reflection of human connection. The giggle, in this sense, is a shared experience that transcends barriers such as language, culture, and age. In a world that is often serious and filled with complexity, the giggle stands as a reminder of the simple pleasures of life.
Innocence and Playfulness
In “Giggle,” Tanikawa taps into the universal experience of childhood. The poem brings forth images of children laughing, an innocence that is both fleeting and timeless. The giggle in the poem does not just belong to the individual but speaks to a collective experience. It is a shared moment of joy that unites all those who partake in it.
This playfulness in the poem is essential to understanding Tanikawa’s larger poetic project. The poet does not dismiss the seriousness of life but recognizes that moments of lightness, such as a giggle, have the power to momentarily release individuals from the weight of existence. In this way, the poem becomes a celebration of the human capacity to find joy in even the most mundane circumstances.
The Ephemeral Nature of Laughter
One of the central themes in “Giggle” is the transitory nature of laughter. Laughter is an ephemeral act, often fading as quickly as it appears. Tanikawa captures this fleeting quality in his writing, reminding us of the impermanence of emotions and experiences. However, rather than focusing on the sadness of this transience, Tanikawa highlights the beauty and significance of the moment itself.
This fleeting nature of laughter may be seen as a metaphor for life itself. Life, like laughter, is temporary. Yet, within this temporary existence, moments of joy and connection can be deeply meaningful. Tanikawa’s depiction of the giggle, which is both momentary and impactful, mirrors this understanding of life: brief, but full of meaning.
The Universal Appeal of “Giggle”
Although the poem appears to focus on the simple act of laughing, it transcends the specific act and explores its universal appeal. The giggle is something that every person, regardless of their background or culture, can relate to. Tanikawa’s ability to capture this shared experience speaks to his skill in writing poetry that resonates with a wide audience.
Furthermore, the giggle in the poem can be seen as a metaphor for laughter’s role in human interaction. It is not just an individual experience but one that creates bonds between people. Whether shared among children playing together or among strangers enjoying a humorous moment, laughter connects people, creating a sense of community.
The Simplicity of the Poem’s Structure
One of the hallmarks of Tanikawa’s poetry is its simplicity. In “Giggle,” he does not rely on complex language or intricate metaphor to convey his message. The poem is straightforward, with simple language and short, clear sentences. This simplicity is part of what makes Tanikawa’s work so accessible.
However, this simplicity does not mean the poem is shallow. On the contrary, the plainness of the language allows the emotion and meaning to come to the forefront. The poem’s brevity creates a sense of immediacy, drawing readers into the experience of the giggle without overwhelming them with excessive description or abstraction.
The choice of simple language also serves to reflect the childlike nature of the giggle itself. Children, who are often the source of Tanikawa’s inspiration in this poem, do not complicate their expressions of joy. Their laughter is pure and unadulterated, much like the language of the poem.
Conclusion
“Giggle” by Shuntaro Tanikawa is a beautiful exploration of the joy, innocence, and transience of laughter. Through the simple act of giggling, Tanikawa touches on deep themes of human connection, the fleeting nature of happiness, and the universal appeal of shared moments of joy. The poem’s simplicity and accessibility make it a perfect example of Tanikawa’s ability to craft poems that resonate with readers on multiple levels.
In many ways, “Giggle” embodies Tanikawa’s larger poetic philosophy: the belief that profound truths can be found in the simplest moments of life. Whether through a giggle or a quiet reflection, Tanikawa encourages us to find beauty in the fleeting, unrepeatable moments that make up our lives.
By celebrating laughter in all its forms, Tanikawa invites us to embrace the joy and spontaneity that laughter brings, reminding us that in the midst of life’s complexities, there is always room for a giggle.
