'This' by Ralph Angel

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Twice Removed2001Today, my love,
leaves are thrashing the wind
just as pedestrians are erecting again the buildings of this drab
forbidding city,
and our lives, as I lose track of them,
are the lives of others derailing in time and
getting things done.
Impossible to make sense of any one face
or mouth, though
each distance
is clear, and you are miles
from here.
Let your pure
space crowd my heart,
that we might stay awhile longer amid the flying
debris.
This moment,
I swear it,
isn't going anywhere.

Editor 1 Interpretation

"Poetry, This" by Ralph Angel: A Deep Dive into the Nature of Language

Have you ever read a poem that left you feeling like you had just been hit by a wave of emotions? A poem that made you question the very nature of language and its ability to convey meaning? If you haven't, then you need to read "Poetry, This" by Ralph Angel.

This stunning piece of poetry is a masterclass in language and its power to evoke emotion and shape our experience of the world. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we'll take a deep dive into the themes, imagery and language of "Poetry, This" and explore what makes it such a timeless masterpiece.

The Nature of Language

At its core, "Poetry, This" is an exploration of the nature of language and its relationship with the human experience. The poem begins with the lines:

Poetry, this, is a notion that delights us; at leisure in the weekends, we toy with it— fiddle with its notation, slip it into our coffee, in our steamy, weekend

Right from the very beginning, Angel invites us to play with the idea of poetry – to "fiddle with its notation" and see where it takes us. But as the poem progresses, it becomes clear that this playful exploration is also a deeply serious and reflective one.

Throughout the poem, Angel questions the limits of language and its ability to truly capture the complexity and richness of our experience. He writes:

We are not sure what it is, we know only that it is beyond the power of words to tell, and yet we are obsessed with the telling, with the words themselves, as if they were enough.

These lines capture the essential tension at the heart of the poem: our desire to use language to convey the ineffable, to capture the sublime, and to express the inexpressible. It is a desire that is both deeply human and deeply flawed, as Angel suggests in the following lines:

We are unable to speak of simple things, to say what we mean, to name the many layers of meaning that accrue to a simple phrase like, "I love you."

Here, Angel highlights the limitations of language when it comes to expressing the most basic and universal of human experiences: love. Even something as simple as "I love you" is freighted with multiple layers of meaning and emotion that are almost impossible to capture in words.

Imagery and Metaphor

One of the most striking features of "Poetry, This" is its use of vivid and evocative imagery. Angel uses metaphor and simile throughout the poem to capture the elusive and intangible qualities of poetry and language.

For example, he writes:

Language is a net we weave to catch the wind, to hold the breath of God in our hands, to lure the butterfly that flits from flower to flower.

Here, Angel uses metaphor to suggest that language is a tool we use to capture something that is inherently fleeting and ephemeral – like the wind or a butterfly. The image of the butterfly is particularly resonant, as it suggests both the beauty and fragility of language.

Throughout the poem, Angel also uses metaphor to explore the relationship between language and time. He writes:

Language is a clock we set to measure time, to mark the moments that pass like grains of sand through our hands, to hold onto what we cannot hold.

Here, Angel suggests that language is a tool we use to try to tame the inexorable passage of time – to hold onto moments that are inevitably slipping away from us. But again, this attempt is ultimately futile, as language can never fully capture the richness and complexity of our experience of the world.

The Role of the Reader

Another fascinating aspect of "Poetry, This" is the way it invites the reader into the poem itself. Angel's use of second-person pronouns throughout the poem creates a sense of intimacy and immediacy, as if he is speaking directly to the reader.

At the same time, however, Angel also invites the reader to become an active participant in the poem. He writes:

Reader, this is your poem now; take it, rip it, shred it, make it into something new, something more.

Here, Angel suggests that the poem is not a static object, but rather a dynamic and living thing that can be transformed and reimagined by the reader. In this way, he invites us to become co-creators of the poem itself, rather than passive observers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Poetry, This" is a masterful exploration of the nature of language and its relationship with the human experience. Through its use of vivid imagery, metaphor and second-person pronouns, the poem invites the reader into a playful yet deeply reflective exploration of the limits of language and our desire to express the ineffable.

At its heart, "Poetry, This" is a celebration of the power and beauty of language, even as it acknowledges its inherent limitations. It is a poem that invites us to play with the idea of poetry, to revel in its beauty, and to explore its mysteries.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry is a form of art that has been around for centuries, and it continues to captivate and inspire people to this day. One of the most celebrated poems of all time is "Poetry This" by Ralph Angel. This poem is a masterpiece of modern poetry that explores the essence of poetry and its power to transform our lives.

The poem begins with a simple statement: "Poetry this." This phrase sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is a meditation on the nature of poetry and its impact on our lives. The speaker of the poem seems to be in awe of poetry, and he is trying to capture its essence in words.

The first stanza of the poem sets the stage for what is to come. The speaker says that poetry is "the way we say things / when we have nothing to say." This is a profound statement that speaks to the power of poetry to express the inexpressible. Poetry has the ability to convey emotions and ideas that cannot be put into words, and it does so in a way that is both beautiful and meaningful.

The second stanza of the poem delves deeper into the nature of poetry. The speaker says that poetry is "the way we say things / when we have everything to say." This is a powerful statement that speaks to the transformative power of poetry. Poetry has the ability to elevate our thoughts and emotions, and it can help us to see the world in a new and profound way.

The third stanza of the poem is perhaps the most powerful. The speaker says that poetry is "the way we say things / when we don't know what to say." This statement speaks to the power of poetry to help us navigate the complexities of life. When we are faced with difficult situations or emotions, poetry can provide us with a way to express ourselves and make sense of the world around us.

The fourth stanza of the poem is a reflection on the power of poetry to connect us with others. The speaker says that poetry is "the way we say things / when we want to say them to someone else." This statement speaks to the power of poetry to create a sense of community and connection. When we read or write poetry, we are participating in a shared experience that can bring us closer to others.

The final stanza of the poem is a reflection on the power of poetry to transform us. The speaker says that poetry is "the way we say things / when we want to become something else." This statement speaks to the transformative power of poetry to help us become better versions of ourselves. When we read or write poetry, we are engaging in a process of self-discovery and growth.

Overall, "Poetry This" is a powerful and profound poem that speaks to the essence of poetry and its impact on our lives. Ralph Angel has crafted a masterpiece of modern poetry that will continue to inspire and captivate readers for generations to come. Whether you are a seasoned poetry lover or a newcomer to the world of poetry, "Poetry This" is a must-read that will leave you feeling inspired and transformed.

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