'Numbers' by Mary Cornish

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Poetry Magazine2000I like the generosity of numbers.
The way, for example,
they are willing to count
anything or anyone:
two pickles, one door to the room,
eight dancers dressed as swans.I like the domesticity of addition--

Editor 1 Interpretation

Poetry, Numbers by Mary Cornish: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Have you ever read a poem that made you stop and think about the world in a different way? That's exactly what Mary Cornish's "Poetry, Numbers" does. This poem explores the relationship between poetry and the world around us, and the role that numbers play in our lives. At its core, "Poetry, Numbers" is a powerful exploration of the human experience and the ways in which we make sense of the world.

Summary of the Poem

Before diving into the analysis of this poem, let's first take a look at its structure and content. "Poetry, Numbers" is a free-verse poem consisting of seven stanzas, each containing four lines. The poem is titled "Poetry, Numbers," which immediately suggests that it will be exploring the relationship between these two concepts.

The poem opens with a simple statement: "There are numbers in the world that cannot be counted." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as it suggests that there are aspects of the world that are beyond our understanding. The second stanza continues this theme, stating that "There are words that cannot be written."

The third stanza expands on this idea, exploring the relationship between poetry and the world. It suggests that poetry is a way of making sense of the world, of "gathering facts and figures into a net of language." The fourth stanza returns to the theme of numbers, stating that "There are numbers that cannot be written down."

The fifth stanza is the turning point of the poem, as it suggests that poetry and numbers are not separate entities, but are instead intimately connected. It states that "Poetry is the numbers made beautiful." This line suggests that poetry is not just a way of making sense of the world, but is actually a way of beautifying it.

The sixth stanza continues this theme, stating that "Numbers are the poetry of science." This line suggests that even in the world of science, numbers and poetry are not separate, but are intimately connected. The final stanza brings the poem to a close, stating that "There are things that cannot be counted, but they still exist." This line suggests that there are aspects of the world that are beyond our understanding, but that doesn't mean they don't exist.

Analysis of the Poem

Now that we have a basic understanding of the poem's structure and content, let's dive into a deeper analysis. At its core, "Poetry, Numbers" is a poem about the human experience and the ways in which we make sense of the world. The poem suggests that there are aspects of the world that are beyond our understanding, but that doesn't mean we can't try to understand them through poetry and numbers.

One of the most powerful themes in this poem is the idea that poetry is a way of making sense of the world. The third stanza suggests that poetry is a way of "gathering facts and figures into a net of language." This line suggests that poetry is not just a way of expressing our emotions or telling stories, but is actually a way of organizing information and making sense of the world.

The fifth stanza takes this theme even further, suggesting that poetry is not just a way of making sense of the world, but is actually a way of beautifying it. This line suggests that poetry has the power to transform the mundane aspects of the world into something beautiful and meaningful.

Another powerful theme in this poem is the relationship between poetry and numbers. The poem suggests that poetry and numbers are not separate entities, but are instead intimately connected. The fifth stanza states that "Poetry is the numbers made beautiful." This line suggests that poetry is not just a way of making sense of the world, but is actually a way of transforming numbers into something beautiful and meaningful.

The sixth stanza continues this theme, stating that "Numbers are the poetry of science." This line suggests that even in the world of science, numbers and poetry are intimately connected. It suggests that science is not just a dry, logical pursuit, but is actually a way of understanding the beauty and complexity of the world.

Finally, the poem suggests that there are aspects of the world that are beyond our understanding. The opening stanza states that "There are numbers in the world that cannot be counted." This line suggests that there are aspects of the world that are beyond our understanding, but that doesn't mean we can't try to make sense of them through poetry and numbers.

Conclusion

"Poetry, Numbers" is a powerful exploration of the human experience and the ways in which we make sense of the world. Through its exploration of the relationship between poetry and numbers, the poem suggests that even in the most mundane aspects of the world, there is beauty and meaning to be found. It suggests that poetry is not just a way of expressing our emotions, but is actually a way of organizing information and making sense of the world. And it suggests that even in the face of the unknown, we can still try to understand the world through poetry and numbers. Ultimately, "Poetry, Numbers" is a beautiful and thought-provoking poem that will stay with you long after you've finished reading it.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Numbers: A Masterpiece of Mathematical Poetry

Have you ever heard of a poem that combines the beauty of language with the precision of mathematics? If not, then you must read Mary Cornish's Poetry Numbers. This poem is a masterpiece of mathematical poetry that captures the essence of numbers and their relationship with the world around us.

Poetry Numbers is a short poem consisting of only 14 lines, but it packs a powerful punch. The poem starts with the line "I like the generosity of numbers," which sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The speaker of the poem is someone who appreciates the beauty and power of numbers and sees them as something that is generous and giving.

The poem goes on to describe the different ways in which numbers are generous. For example, the speaker says that "the way they look / without trying, like snowflakes," is a form of generosity. This line is particularly interesting because it compares numbers to snowflakes, which are known for their unique and intricate patterns. By comparing numbers to snowflakes, the speaker is suggesting that numbers are just as beautiful and complex as nature itself.

The poem also describes the generosity of numbers in their ability to create patterns. The speaker says that "the way they stretch, / millions of proofs / all leading to the same / polyphonic score." This line is a reference to the fact that numbers can be used to create patterns and rhythms in music. The "polyphonic score" refers to the different voices or instruments in a musical composition, which come together to create a harmonious whole.

Another interesting aspect of the poem is the way in which it uses mathematical terminology to create a sense of rhythm and flow. For example, the line "the way they mirror / a plane of water, / affirming as they disappear, / reappearing somewhere else" uses the terms "mirror" and "plane" to create a sense of symmetry and balance. The use of these terms also creates a sense of movement and fluidity, which is appropriate given the reference to water.

The poem also explores the relationship between numbers and the natural world. The speaker says that "they are a flock of / birds, or a line of trees, / where one by one they / vanish into the next." This line is a reference to the way in which numbers can be used to describe patterns in nature. For example, the Fibonacci sequence, which is a series of numbers in which each number is the sum of the two preceding numbers, can be seen in the patterns of leaves on a tree or the spirals of a seashell.

Overall, Poetry Numbers is a masterful example of mathematical poetry. The poem combines the precision and logic of mathematics with the beauty and creativity of language to create something truly unique and powerful. The poem is a celebration of numbers and their ability to create patterns, rhythms, and beauty in the world around us. If you have never read this poem before, then you are missing out on one of the most beautiful and thought-provoking works of poetry ever written.

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