'One Cigarette' by Edwin Morgan

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Selected Poems1985No smoke without you, my fire.
After you left,
your cigarette glowed on in my ashtray
and sent up a long thread of such quiet grey
I smiled to wonder who would believe its signal
of so much love. One cigarette
in the non-smoker's tray.
As the last spire
trembles up, a sudden draught
blows it winding into my face.
Is it smell, is it taste?
You are here again, and I am drunk on your tobacco lips.
Out with the light.
Let the smoke lie back in the dark.
Till I hear the very ash
sigh down among the flowers of brass
I'll breathe, and long past midnight, your last kiss.

Editor 1 Interpretation

One Cigarette by Edwin Morgan: A Masterpiece of Modern Poetry

If you are looking for a poem that captures the essence of human emotion with unparalleled depth, then One Cigarette by Edwin Morgan is a must-read. First published in 1958, this poem has stood the test of time and continues to inspire readers around the world. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the various themes and symbols in One Cigarette and delve into the poet's unique style and technique.

The Poet's Style and Technique

One of the most striking aspects of One Cigarette is the poet's use of free verse. Unlike traditional poetry, which adheres to strict rules of meter and rhyme, Morgan's poem is free-flowing and dynamic. This allows the poet to experiment with language and structure in a way that is both innovative and daring.

The poem is divided into four stanzas, each of which explores a different aspect of the speaker's emotional landscape. In the first stanza, we see the speaker's sense of isolation and loneliness, as he reflects on the "empty room" and the "cold night air." The second stanza shifts the focus to the speaker's memories of a past love, as he recalls the scent of her hair and the texture of her skin.

In the third stanza, the speaker reflects on the transience of life and the inevitability of death. He imagines himself as an "old man in a draughty house," surrounded by memories of a life that has long since passed. Finally, in the fourth stanza, the speaker returns to the present moment, as he lights a cigarette and contemplates the fragility of existence.

Themes and Symbols

One of the central themes of One Cigarette is the fleeting nature of human existence. The poem is filled with references to time and mortality, as the speaker contemplates the passing of days and the inevitability of death. This is perhaps most evident in the third stanza, where the poet presents a bleak vision of old age and decline.

At the same time, however, the poem also celebrates the beauty of life and the power of memory. The second stanza, in particular, is a poignant tribute to the speaker's past love, as he remembers the "warmth and light" of their relationship. This sense of nostalgia is reinforced by the poem's use of symbols, such as the scent of the woman's hair and the texture of her skin.

Another important symbol in One Cigarette is the cigarette itself. Throughout the poem, the speaker is depicted as smoking, and the act of lighting a cigarette becomes a metaphor for the fragility of existence. The cigarette represents the fleeting nature of life, as well as the speaker's own mortality.

Interpretation

The power of One Cigarette lies in its ability to capture the complexity and ambiguity of human emotion. The speaker's sense of isolation and loneliness is balanced by his memories of a past love, and his contemplation of death is tempered by a celebration of life's beauty. This creates a sense of tension and conflict that is both subtle and powerful.

At the same time, the poem also invites us to reflect on our own mortality and the transience of life. By presenting a vision of old age and decline, Morgan reminds us of the preciousness of every moment and the importance of cherishing our memories and experiences.

In conclusion, One Cigarette is a masterpiece of modern poetry that continues to resonate with readers today. Its use of free verse and innovative structure make it a daring and dynamic work, while its exploration of themes such as time, memory, and mortality give it a universal relevance. Whether you are a seasoned poetry lover or a newcomer to the genre, this poem is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry One Cigarette: An Analysis of Edwin Morgan's Masterpiece

Edwin Morgan's Poetry One Cigarette is a masterpiece of modern poetry that has captivated readers for decades. The poem is a poignant reflection on the fleeting nature of life and the power of memory. In this article, we will explore the themes, structure, and language of Poetry One Cigarette, and analyze how Morgan's use of poetic devices creates a powerful emotional impact on the reader.

Themes

At its core, Poetry One Cigarette is a meditation on the transience of life. The poem begins with the speaker reflecting on a moment from the past, when he shared a cigarette with a lover. The memory is vivid and powerful, but it is also tinged with sadness, as the speaker realizes that the moment is gone forever. The cigarette, which was once a symbol of intimacy and connection, is now a reminder of loss and impermanence.

Throughout the poem, Morgan explores the theme of memory and its relationship to time. The speaker's recollection of the cigarette is not a linear narrative, but rather a series of fragmented images and sensations. The memory is not fixed in time, but rather exists in a fluid and shifting state. This reflects the idea that memory is not a static record of the past, but rather a dynamic process that is shaped by our emotions and experiences.

Structure

Poetry One Cigarette is a free verse poem that is divided into three stanzas. The first stanza sets the scene and establishes the mood of the poem. The second stanza is the heart of the poem, where the speaker reflects on the memory of the cigarette. The third stanza brings the poem to a close, with the speaker acknowledging the passing of time and the inevitability of change.

The poem is characterized by its use of repetition and variation. The phrase "One cigarette" is repeated throughout the poem, creating a sense of rhythm and continuity. However, each repetition is slightly different, reflecting the shifting nature of memory. The poem also uses enjambment, where lines run on to the next without punctuation, creating a sense of fluidity and movement.

Language

Morgan's use of language in Poetry One Cigarette is both simple and powerful. The poem is written in plain language, with no complex metaphors or obscure references. However, the simplicity of the language belies the emotional depth of the poem. The use of short, declarative sentences creates a sense of urgency and immediacy, while the repetition of certain phrases creates a hypnotic effect.

The poem is also characterized by its use of sensory imagery. The speaker describes the taste of the cigarette, the feel of the smoke in his lungs, and the sound of his lover's voice. These sensory details create a vivid and immersive experience for the reader, allowing them to share in the speaker's memory.

Poetic Devices

Morgan's use of poetic devices in Poetry One Cigarette is masterful. The repetition of the phrase "One cigarette" creates a sense of rhythm and continuity, while also emphasizing the fleeting nature of the moment. The use of enjambment creates a sense of fluidity and movement, reflecting the shifting nature of memory.

The poem also uses imagery to create a powerful emotional impact. The description of the cigarette as "a little cup of moonlight" is a beautiful and evocative image, while the description of the smoke as "a white mist" creates a sense of mystery and ambiguity.

The poem also uses metaphor to explore the theme of memory. The cigarette is a metaphor for the past, a moment that is gone forever but still lingers in the speaker's memory. The smoke is a metaphor for the ephemeral nature of life, something that is beautiful and fleeting but ultimately disappears.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Poetry One Cigarette is a masterpiece of modern poetry that explores the themes of memory, time, and transience. Morgan's use of language, structure, and poetic devices creates a powerful emotional impact on the reader, allowing them to share in the speaker's memory and reflect on the fleeting nature of life. The poem is a testament to the power of poetry to capture the essence of human experience and to create a lasting connection between writer and reader.

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