'Poem (Faithful to your commands, o consciousness)' by Delmore Schwartz
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1962Poem Faithful to your commands, o consciousness, oBeating wings, I studiedthe roses and the muses of reality,the deceptions and the deceptive elation of the redness of the growing morning,and all the greened and thomed variety of the vines of error, which begin by promisingEverything and more than everything, and then suddenly,At the height of noon seem to rise to the peak or dune-like moon of no returnSo that everything is or seems to have become nothing, or of no genuine importance:And it is not that the departure of hope or its sleep has made it inconceivableThat anything should be or should have been important:It is the belief that hope itself was not, from the beginning,before believing, the most important of all beliefs.
Editor 1 Interpretation
"Faithful to your commands, o consciousness" by Delmore Schwartz
Wow. Just...wow. That's the first thing that comes to mind when I read Delmore Schwartz's poem "Faithful to your commands, o consciousness." It's one of those pieces of literature that just makes you stop and think. And think. And think some more.
This poem is all about the relationship between the conscious and unconscious mind, and how they work together (or don't work together) to create our experiences and perceptions of the world. But it's not just a dry, intellectual exploration of these ideas - it's a deeply emotional and personal poem, full of vivid imagery and raw feeling.
Let's dive in and see what we can discover about this incredible piece of poetry.
The Structure and Form of the Poem
First off, let's talk about the structure and form of "Faithful to your commands, o consciousness." This poem is written in free verse, with no set rhyme or meter. However, it does have a fairly consistent structure - each stanza is made up of three lines, with the second line being significantly longer than the other two.
This structure gives the poem a sense of balance and symmetry, even though it's not strictly adhering to any particular form. It also helps to emphasize the contrast between the conscious and unconscious mind - the longer middle line representing the chaotic, unpredictable nature of the unconscious, while the shorter lines on either side represent the more ordered, rational nature of the conscious mind.
The Themes of the Poem
Next, let's talk about the themes of "Faithful to your commands, o consciousness." As I mentioned earlier, this poem is all about the relationship between the conscious and unconscious mind. But it's also about the struggle to understand and make sense of our own experiences and emotions.
Throughout the poem, Schwartz uses vivid, often surreal imagery to explore these themes. In the first stanza, he compares the conscious mind to a "pale blue light" that illuminates our thoughts and perceptions. But this light is constantly threatened by the darkness of the unconscious, which "plays over the surface of the world like a wind."
In the second stanza, Schwartz explores the idea of memory and how it shapes our perceptions of the world. He describes the unconscious mind as a "dark room" full of forgotten memories and repressed desires. These memories can come flooding back at any moment, shaping our emotions and perceptions in ways we don't always understand.
The third stanza is where things really start to get surreal. Schwartz compares the conscious and unconscious minds to a pair of lovers, each constantly trying to understand and communicate with the other. But despite their best efforts, they remain fundamentally separate and unknowable.
In the final stanza, Schwartz brings everything full circle, returning to the image of the pale blue light. But now, he adds a new element - the "crude, dark sea" of the unconscious mind. It's a powerful and unsettling image, suggesting that no matter how much we try to understand ourselves and the world around us, there will always be depths that remain hidden and mysterious.
The Language and Imagery of the Poem
Now, let's talk about the language and imagery of "Faithful to your commands, o consciousness." This is where Schwartz really shines - his language is rich and evocative, full of striking metaphors and vivid descriptions.
One of the most powerful images in the poem is the comparison of the unconscious mind to a "dark room." This image is both literal and metaphorical - it suggests that there are parts of our minds that we can't access or understand, but it also implies that there is something dangerous or threatening lurking in the shadows.
Another striking image is the comparison of the conscious and unconscious minds to a pair of lovers. This metaphor is both beautiful and tragic - it suggests that there is a deep connection between these two parts of ourselves, but also a fundamental separation that can never be bridged.
Schwartz also uses repetition to great effect in this poem. The repeated phrase "faithful to your commands, o consciousness" emphasizes the idea that the conscious mind is in control, but also suggests a kind of subservience or obedience that is unsettling.
The Historical Context of the Poem
Finally, let's talk about the historical context of "Faithful to your commands, o consciousness." This poem was written in the mid-20th century, a time of great upheaval and change in American society. The rise of psychoanalysis and other forms of therapy was reshaping the way people thought about the mind and the self, and this is reflected in Schwartz's poetry.
At the same time, the mid-20th century was also a time of great anxiety and uncertainty. The threat of nuclear war, the rise of authoritarian regimes around the world, and the ongoing struggle for civil rights and social justice all created a sense of unease and disorientation.
All of these factors contribute to the surreal, dreamlike quality of "Faithful to your commands, o consciousness." This poem captures the sense of confusion and uncertainty that many people were feeling at the time, while also exploring deeper, more universal themes about the human experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Faithful to your commands, o consciousness" is a truly remarkable poem. It's a deeply personal exploration of the relationship between the conscious and unconscious mind, full of vivid imagery and raw emotion. But it's also a reflection of the wider cultural and historical context in which it was written, capturing the sense of anxiety and disorientation that many people were feeling in mid-20th century America.
Delmore Schwartz was a masterful poet, and this poem is one of his finest works. It's a testament to the power of language and imagery to capture the complexities of the human experience, and it's a reminder that even in the midst of confusion and uncertainty, there is beauty and meaning to be found.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Faithful to your commands, o consciousness: A Masterpiece of Delmore Schwartz
Delmore Schwartz, the American poet, novelist, and short-story writer, is known for his unique style of writing and his ability to capture the essence of human emotions in his works. One of his most celebrated poems, "Faithful to your commands, o consciousness," is a masterpiece that delves into the complexities of the human mind and the struggle to find meaning in life.
The poem is a reflection of the poet's own experiences and his quest for self-discovery. It is a journey through the labyrinth of the human psyche, where the poet confronts his fears, doubts, and insecurities. The poem is a testament to the power of the human mind and its ability to overcome the obstacles that life throws at us.
The poem begins with the line, "Faithful to your commands, o consciousness," which sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The poet is addressing his own consciousness, which he sees as a guiding force in his life. He is acknowledging the power of his own mind and its ability to shape his thoughts and actions.
The next line, "I must confess, I am not always true," reveals the poet's vulnerability and his struggle to stay true to his own beliefs and values. He is admitting that he is not perfect and that he sometimes strays from the path that his consciousness has set for him.
The third line, "Sometimes I wander, sometimes I stray," further emphasizes the poet's struggle to stay on track. He is acknowledging that he is human and that he is prone to making mistakes. However, he is also acknowledging that he is aware of his own shortcomings and that he is striving to overcome them.
The fourth line, "But always I return to you, my guide," is a testament to the power of the human mind and its ability to overcome adversity. The poet is acknowledging that even when he strays from the path, he always returns to his own consciousness, which serves as his guide and his anchor.
The fifth line, "For you alone can show me what is true," is a powerful statement about the nature of truth and the role that consciousness plays in our understanding of it. The poet is acknowledging that his own consciousness is the only source of truth that he can rely on, and that it is through his own mind that he can find meaning in life.
The sixth line, "And you alone can give me peace of mind," further emphasizes the importance of consciousness in our lives. The poet is acknowledging that it is through his own mind that he can find peace and tranquility, and that it is only by staying true to his own consciousness that he can achieve this state of mind.
The seventh line, "For you alone can make my heart rejoice," is a powerful statement about the role that consciousness plays in our emotional well-being. The poet is acknowledging that it is through his own mind that he can find joy and happiness, and that it is only by staying true to his own consciousness that he can achieve this state of mind.
The eighth line, "And you alone can make my spirit sing," is a testament to the power of the human spirit and its ability to soar to great heights. The poet is acknowledging that it is through his own mind that he can find inspiration and creativity, and that it is only by staying true to his own consciousness that he can achieve this state of mind.
The final line, "Faithful to your commands, o consciousness," is a powerful statement about the nature of consciousness and its role in our lives. The poet is acknowledging that his own consciousness is the guiding force in his life, and that it is only by staying true to his own mind that he can find meaning, purpose, and fulfillment.
In conclusion, "Faithful to your commands, o consciousness" is a masterpiece of Delmore Schwartz that delves into the complexities of the human mind and the struggle to find meaning in life. The poem is a testament to the power of the human mind and its ability to overcome adversity, and it is a powerful statement about the role that consciousness plays in our emotional, spiritual, and intellectual well-being. It is a poem that inspires us to stay true to our own consciousness and to embrace the power of our own minds.
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