'Shake The Superflux!' by David Lehman

AI and Tech Aggregator
Download Mp3s Free
Tears of the Kingdom Roleplay
Best Free University Courses Online
TOTK Roleplay

An Alternative to Speech1986I like walking on streets as black and wet as this one
now, at two in the solemnly musical morning, when everyone else
in this town emptied of Lestrygonians and Lotus-eaters
is asleep or trying or worrying why
they aren't asleep, while unknown to them Ulysses walks
into the shabby apartment I live in, humming and feeling
happy with the avant-garde weather we're having,
the winds (a fugue for flute and oboe) pouring
into the windows which I left open although
I live on the ground floor and there have been
two burglaries on my block already this week,
do I quickly take a look to see
if the valuables are missing? No, that is I can't,
it's an epistemological quandary: what I consider
valuable, would they? Who are they, anyway? I'd answer that
with speculations based on newspaper accounts if I were
Donald E. Westlake, whose novels I'm hooked on, but
this first cigarette after twenty-four hours
of abstinence tastes so good it makes me want
to include it in my catalogue of pleasures
designed to hide the ugliness or sweep it away
the way the violent overflow of rain over cliffs
cleans the sewers and drains of Ithaca
whose waterfalls head my list, followed by
crudites of carrots and beets, roots and all,
with rained-on radishes, too beautiful to eat,
and the pure pleasure of talking, talking and not knowing
where the talk will lead, but willing to take my chances.
Furthermore I shall enumerate some varieties of tulips
(Bacchus, Tantalus, Dardanelles) and other flowers
with names that have a life of their own (Love Lies Bleeding,
Dwarf Blue Bedding, Burning Bush, Torch Lily, Narcissus).
Mostly, as I've implied, it's the names of things
that count; still, sometimes I wonder and, wondering, find
the path of least resistance, the earth's orbit
around the sun's delirious clarity. Once you sniff
the aphrodisiac of disaster, you know: there's no reason
for the anxiety--or for expecting to be free of it;
try telling Franz Kafka he has no reason to feel guilty;
or so I say to well-meaning mongers of common sense.
They way I figure, you start with the names
which are keys and then you throw them away
and learn to love the locked rooms, with or without
corpses inside, riddles to unravel, emptiness to possess,
a woman to wake up with a kiss (who is she?
no one knows) who begs your forgiveness (for what?
you cannot know) and then, in the authoritative tone
of one who has weathered the storm of his exile, orders you
to put up your hands and beg the rain to continue
as if it were in your power. And it is,
I feel it with each drop. I am standing
outside at the window, looking in on myself
writing these words, feeling what wretches feel, just
as the doctor ordered. And that's what I plan to do,
what the storm I was caught in reminded me to do,
to shake the superflux, distribute my appetite, fast
without so much as a glass of water, and love
each bite I haven't taken. I shall become the romantic poet
whose coat of many colors smeared
with blood, like a butcher's apron, left
in the sacred pit or brought back to my father
to confirm my death, confirms my new life
instead, an alien prince of dungeons and dreams
who sheds the disguise people recognize him by
to reveal himself to his true brothers at last
in the silence that stuns before joy descends, like rain.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Shake The Superflux: A Masterpiece of Poetic Ingenuity

David Lehman's Shake The Superflux is a work of art that seamlessly blends various poetic forms and themes to create a truly unique experience for the reader. Lehman's mastery of language and his ability to evoke powerful emotions through his poetry make this collection a must-read for anyone who appreciates the beauty of verse.

The Power of Words

One of the most striking aspects of Shake The Superflux is the way in which Lehman uses language to create vivid images and convey deep emotions. From the very first poem, "The Figurative Language of Oysters," Lehman demonstrates his ability to use words in new and unexpected ways. The title alone is enough to grab the reader's attention, but the poem itself is even more impressive. Lehman describes the oysters as "mouths that never cease to suck" and "flesh that never stops to grow." These images are both disturbing and mesmerizing, and they set the tone for the rest of the collection.

Multifaceted Themes

One of the things that makes Shake The Superflux so compelling is the way in which Lehman explores a wide range of themes throughout the collection. From love and loss to politics and culture, there is no subject that Lehman is afraid to tackle. In "The City Without You," Lehman captures the loneliness of urban life, while "Inauguration Day" offers a scathing critique of the political establishment. "The Hand of God" is a powerful meditation on faith and spirituality, while "The Significance of Dreams" explores the mysteries of the unconscious mind. These poems are all vastly different in subject matter, but they are all united by Lehman's poetic voice and his ability to distill complex ideas into simple, yet powerful, language.

Poetic Forms and Devices

Another aspect of Shake The Superflux that sets it apart from other collections is Lehman's use of poetic form and devices. From haikus to sonnets, Lehman employs a wide range of forms to create a varied and dynamic collection. In "The Haiku Year," Lehman pays homage to the traditional Japanese form, while "The Father of All Poets" is a witty sonnet that pokes fun at the great poets of the past. Lehman also uses repetition and rhyme to great effect in many of his poems. "The Secret of Life" repeats the phrase "love is the secret of life" throughout the poem, creating a hypnotic effect that reinforces the poem's message.

The Human Experience

At its core, Shake The Superflux is a celebration of the human experience. Lehman's poems are filled with characters who are flawed and imperfect, but ultimately relatable. In "The Day After Valentine's Day," Lehman captures the disappointment and heartache that can come with unrequited love. "The Empty Nester" explores the bittersweet feeling of watching your children leave the nest, while "The Postmodern Condition" is a meditation on the emptiness of modern life. These poems remind us that we are not alone in our struggles and that there is beauty to be found in even the most difficult moments.

Conclusion

David Lehman's Shake The Superflux is a poetic masterpiece that defies easy categorization. It is a collection that is both deeply personal and universally relatable, a celebration of the human experience in all its complexity. Through his use of language, form, and theme, Lehman creates a rich tapestry of poetry that is sure to leave a lasting impression on readers. Anyone who appreciates the power of words and the beauty of verse should add Shake The Superflux to their reading list.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Shake The Superflux!: An Analysis of David Lehman's Classic

Are you ready to shake things up? David Lehman certainly was when he wrote his classic poem, "Poetry Shake The Superflux!" This poem is a call to action for poets and readers alike to break free from the mundane and embrace the power of poetry. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, structure, and language of this poem to understand why it has become a beloved classic in the world of poetry.

First, let's take a look at the themes of "Poetry Shake The Superflux!" At its core, this poem is about the transformative power of poetry. Lehman urges us to "shake the superflux," or the excess and abundance of our lives, and turn to poetry as a means of finding meaning and purpose. He writes, "Poetry is the answer to the superflux / of words that surround us." In other words, poetry can cut through the noise and help us make sense of the world around us.

Another theme of this poem is the idea of poetry as rebellion. Lehman writes, "Poetry is the last refuge of the rebel / who refuses to sing the tune." This line speaks to the idea that poetry is a way of resisting conformity and challenging the status quo. By writing and reading poetry, we can break free from the constraints of society and express ourselves in a way that is truly authentic.

Now, let's turn to the structure of "Poetry Shake The Superflux!" This poem is written in free verse, which means that it does not follow a strict rhyme or meter. This style of poetry allows Lehman to experiment with language and create a sense of spontaneity and freedom. The poem is divided into three stanzas, each with its own distinct message.

The first stanza sets the tone for the poem and establishes the central theme of poetry as a means of cutting through the excess of our lives. Lehman writes, "Poetry is the answer to the superflux / of words that surround us." He goes on to describe how poetry can help us find clarity and meaning in a world that is often overwhelming.

The second stanza focuses on the idea of poetry as rebellion. Lehman writes, "Poetry is the last refuge of the rebel / who refuses to sing the tune." This line speaks to the idea that poetry is a way of resisting conformity and challenging the status quo. By writing and reading poetry, we can break free from the constraints of society and express ourselves in a way that is truly authentic.

The final stanza of the poem is perhaps the most powerful. Lehman writes, "Poetry is the voice of the soul / that refuses to be silenced." This line speaks to the idea that poetry is a way of expressing our deepest emotions and desires. It is a way of giving voice to the parts of ourselves that are often ignored or suppressed. By embracing poetry, we can tap into our innermost selves and find a sense of wholeness and authenticity.

Finally, let's take a look at the language of "Poetry Shake The Superflux!" Lehman's use of language is both playful and profound. He uses puns and wordplay to create a sense of whimsy and humor, while also using powerful imagery to convey his message. For example, he writes, "Poetry is the last refuge of the rebel / who refuses to sing the tune." This line is both clever and profound, using the idea of singing a tune as a metaphor for conformity and rebellion.

Lehman also uses repetition to create a sense of rhythm and momentum in the poem. The phrase "Poetry is" is repeated throughout the poem, creating a sense of unity and coherence. This repetition also emphasizes the central theme of the poem: the transformative power of poetry.

In conclusion, "Poetry Shake The Superflux!" is a classic poem that continues to resonate with readers today. Its themes of poetry as rebellion and transformation are as relevant now as they were when Lehman wrote the poem. The structure and language of the poem are both playful and profound, creating a sense of whimsy and depth that is truly unique. So let's take Lehman's advice and shake things up with some poetry!

Editor Recommended Sites

Devops Automation: Software and tools for Devops automation across GCP and AWS
Deploy Code: Learn how to deploy code on the cloud using various services. The tradeoffs. AWS / GCP
Manage Cloud Secrets: Cloud secrets for AWS and GCP. Best practice and management
Flutter Tips: The best tips across all widgets and app deployment for flutter development
Smart Contract Technology: Blockchain smart contract tutorials and guides

Recommended Similar Analysis

Good Hours by Robert Lee Frost analysis
Under The Moon by William Butler Yeats analysis
THE DIRGE OF JEPHTHAH'S DAUGHTER:SUNG BY THE VIRGINS by Robert Herrick analysis
To M-- by Edgar Allan Poe analysis
Oh, Oh, You Will Be Sorry by Edna St. Vincent Millay analysis
Ah , Are You Digging on My Grave? by Thomas Hardy analysis
Choices by Carl Sandburg analysis
Meditations Divine and Moral by Anne Bradstreet analysis
Four Beasts In One- The Homo-Cameleopard by Edgar Allen Poe analysis
Metamorphoses by Ovid analysis