She sang beyond the genius of the sea. The water never formed to mind or voice, Like a body wholly body, fluttering Its empty sleeves; and yet its mimic motion Made constant cry, caused constantly a cry, That was not ours although we understood, Inhuman, of the veritable ocean.
Thursday, April 5, 2012
The Idea of Order at Key West
I never cease to be moved by the pure music of these lines. I have to read them out loud, every time. I don't know what they mean. They mean their music. That's all I have to say. (Not really, of course, but I'll save the rest for class).
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While I wholeheartedly agree that these are especially moving lines, my issue with poetry is exactly that I don't know what they mean--that they "mean their music." Maybe I am heartless.
ReplyDeleteNEVER MIND! I had a breakthrough! Ian's to thank.
ReplyDeleteNo way, really? What'd he say?
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteIt was a vulgar metaphor which translated to "You need to learn how to feel things--how to fabricate them-- and to know that this is all you can ever do." And then he reprimanded me for whining. And then I took my shame and I translated it into an appreciation of poetry.
ReplyDelete(I replied to the wrong reply.)
DeleteWhy is Ian so vulgar? I guess I forgive him, if it helped you to like Stevens.