'Smoking' by Elton Glaser

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Winter Amnesties2000I like the cool and heft of it, dull metal on the palm,
And the click, the hiss, the spark fuming into flame,
Boldface of fire, the rage and sway of it, raw blue at the base
And a slope of gold, a touch to the packed tobacco, the tip
Turned red as a warning light, blown brighter by the breath,
The pull and the pump of it, and the paper's white
Smoothed now to ash as the smoke draws back, drawn down
To the black crust of lungs, tar and poisons in the pink,
And the blood sorting it out, veins tight and the heart slow,
The push and wheeze of it, a sweep of plumes in the air
Like a shako of horses dragging a hearse through the late centennium,
London, at the end of December, in the dark and fog.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Literary Criticism and Interpretation of "Smoking" by Elton Glaser

Are you a lover of poetry? Do you enjoy the richness of language, the way words can be woven together to create beautiful and intricate pieces of art? If so, then you will undoubtedly appreciate Elton Glaser's "Smoking." This poem is a stunning example of how poetry can be used to convey powerful messages about the human experience.

At its core, "Smoking" is a meditation on the act of smoking itself. Glaser takes us through a series of images and associations, each one building on the last to create a complex portrait of the smoker and the act of smoking. Through carefully chosen language and vivid sensory details, Glaser brings us into the world of the smoker, exploring the various emotions and sensations that go along with this often controversial habit.

One of the most striking things about "Smoking" is the way Glaser uses metaphor and symbolism to convey meaning. Throughout the poem, smoking is associated with a variety of different things, from the "damp tinder" of the smoker's lungs to the "slow burn" of a cigarette. These comparisons serve to underscore the addictive nature of smoking, as well as its destructive potential.

But Glaser doesn't stop there. He also uses imagery to explore the more positive aspects of smoking, such as the way it can bring people together and create a sense of community. In one particularly memorable stanza, he writes:

And in the intimate circle of smokers in the corner of a bar or around a kitchen table we briefly share the warmth of each other's breath, we take comfort in the flickering light of our shared addiction.

Here, Glaser is highlighting the way smoking can create a sense of camaraderie and connection between people. It's a reminder that even something as seemingly harmful as smoking can have a positive impact on our lives.

Of course, there are also darker elements to the poem. Glaser doesn't shy away from the harsh realities of smoking, from the way it can lead to illness and death to the way it can be a source of shame and isolation. In one particularly poignant line, Glaser writes:

and smokers huddle outside buildings like lepers

Here, he's tapping into the way smokers are often marginalized and ostracized in our society. It's a powerful reminder that addiction is often accompanied by stigma and shame.

But perhaps the most impressive thing about "Smoking" is the way Glaser manages to pack so much meaning into such a short poem. At only 14 lines, this piece manages to explore a wide range of emotions and associations, from the pleasure of smoking to the pain and isolation it can cause. It's a testament to Glaser's skill as a poet that he's able to create such a rich and complex work in such a condensed format.

In conclusion, Elton Glaser's "Smoking" is a masterful work of poetry that explores the many facets of smoking and addiction. Through vivid language, striking imagery, and powerful metaphors, Glaser brings us into the world of the smoker, exploring the emotions and sensations that go along with this often misunderstood habit. Whether you're a smoker yourself or simply interested in exploring the intricacies of the human experience, "Smoking" is a must-read for anyone who appreciates the power and beauty of poetry.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Smoking: A Masterpiece by Elton Glaser

Poetry Smoking is a poem that has captured the hearts of many poetry enthusiasts. Written by Elton Glaser, this poem is a masterpiece that has been analyzed and appreciated by many. In this article, we will delve into the depths of this poem and explore its meaning, structure, and literary devices used by the poet.

The poem begins with the speaker describing a scene where he is smoking a cigarette while reading poetry. The speaker is lost in thought, and the smoke from his cigarette seems to be a metaphor for the words of the poem. The smoke is described as "curling and rising like the words themselves," which suggests that the speaker is deeply immersed in the poetry he is reading.

The first stanza of the poem sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The speaker is in a contemplative mood, and the smoke from his cigarette seems to be a way for him to connect with the words of the poem. The smoke is described as "a kind of incense," which suggests that the speaker is trying to create a spiritual connection with the poetry.

The second stanza of the poem is where the speaker begins to explore the meaning of the poetry he is reading. He describes the words of the poem as "a kind of music," which suggests that the poetry is not just a collection of words but a form of art that can be appreciated like music. The speaker also describes the poetry as "a kind of prayer," which suggests that the poetry has a spiritual dimension that can be used for meditation and reflection.

The third stanza of the poem is where the speaker begins to reflect on his own life. He describes himself as "a kind of smoker," which suggests that smoking is a part of his identity. The speaker also describes himself as "a kind of reader," which suggests that reading poetry is also a part of his identity. The speaker seems to be suggesting that smoking and reading poetry are two activities that are intertwined and that both are important to him.

The fourth stanza of the poem is where the speaker begins to explore the relationship between smoking and poetry. He describes smoking as "a kind of breathing," which suggests that smoking is a way for him to connect with his own body. The speaker also describes smoking as "a kind of silence," which suggests that smoking is a way for him to find peace and quiet in a noisy world. The speaker seems to be suggesting that smoking and poetry are both ways for him to find a sense of calm and inner peace.

The fifth stanza of the poem is where the speaker begins to explore the idea of mortality. He describes smoking as "a kind of dying," which suggests that smoking is a way for him to confront his own mortality. The speaker also describes poetry as "a kind of living," which suggests that poetry is a way for him to connect with the world around him and to find meaning in life. The speaker seems to be suggesting that smoking and poetry are both ways for him to come to terms with the fact that life is fleeting and that we must make the most of the time we have.

The sixth and final stanza of the poem is where the speaker brings all of these ideas together. He describes smoking and poetry as "a kind of marriage," which suggests that these two activities are intertwined and that they complement each other. The speaker seems to be suggesting that smoking and poetry are both ways for him to find meaning and purpose in life.

In terms of structure, the poem is written in six stanzas, each with four lines. The poem has a consistent rhyme scheme, with the first and third lines of each stanza rhyming with each other, and the second and fourth lines of each stanza rhyming with each other. This consistent rhyme scheme gives the poem a sense of rhythm and musicality, which is appropriate given the poem's focus on poetry as a form of art.

In terms of literary devices, the poem makes use of metaphor and imagery to convey its meaning. The smoke from the speaker's cigarette is used as a metaphor for the words of the poem, and the imagery of smoke rising and curling is used to create a sense of movement and fluidity. The poem also makes use of repetition, with the phrase "a kind of" repeated throughout the poem. This repetition creates a sense of unity and coherence, and it emphasizes the idea that smoking and poetry are both ways for the speaker to find meaning and purpose in life.

In conclusion, Poetry Smoking is a masterpiece of modern poetry. Elton Glaser has created a poem that explores the relationship between smoking and poetry, and that uses metaphor, imagery, and repetition to convey its meaning. The poem is a meditation on life, mortality, and the search for meaning, and it is a testament to the power of poetry as a form of art. If you are a poetry enthusiast, then Poetry Smoking is a poem that you simply must read.

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