this is just to say

This Is Just to Say
by William Carlos Williams (p927)

I have eaten
the plums
that were in
the icebox

and which
you were probably
saving
for breakfast

Forgive me
they were delicious
so sweet
and so cold

The simplicity and straight-forwardness of this poem make it stand out. However, I think his plain language and short sentences further support his message. Williams believes in living in the moment. And his concise words reflect this way of life: quick, spontaneous, and unplanned. The narrator ate “the plums… in the icebox” despite the fact that he knew someone was “probably saving” them. Instead of thinking about the consequences and the problems that could arise, he decided to act in the moment and eat the plum. Instead of thinking about the future, he mind conveys his momentary thoughts, “delicious so sweet and so cold”. Yet at the end the speaker apologizes, possibly insincerely, with a minimal “forgive me”. He accepts his decision instead of trying to hide it. The poem calls people to reach for opportunities.

Romance is a second interpretation of this poem. The playful language it employs emphasizes their loving relationship. The husband seems to be teasing the wife with his witty message. Also, “Forgive me” is ironic because he knows that in actuality, his wife will not be angry, but rather maybe even happy that he enjoyed the plums.