'On Being Asked To Write A Poem Against The War In Vietnam' by Hayden Carruth

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Well I have and in fact
more than one and I'll
tell you this tooI wrote one against
Algeria that nightmare
and another againstKorea and another
against the one
I was inand I don't remember
how many against
the threewhen I was a boy
Abyssinia Spain and
Harlan Countyand not one
breath was restored
to oneshattered throat
mans womans or childs
not one notone
but death went on and on
never looking asideexcept now and then
with a furtive half-smile
to make sure I was noticing.

Editor 1 Interpretation

A Deep Dive into Hayden Carruth's "On Being Asked To Write A Poem Against The War In Vietnam"

As a passionate reader and lover of poetry, I have always been drawn to works that pack a punch and leave a lasting impact on the reader. One such masterpiece that has stayed with me is Hayden Carruth's "On Being Asked To Write A Poem Against The War In Vietnam." This powerful piece of literature speaks to the heart of war, violence, and the human experience. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I dive deep into the themes, imagery, and language that make this poem a timeless classic.

The Power of Themes

At its core, "On Being Asked To Write A Poem Against The War In Vietnam" is a poem about the futility of war and the destruction it brings. Carruth tackles this theme head-on, pulling no punches in his critique of the Vietnam War. Through his words, we see the chaos and devastation that war brings to both soldiers and civilians. The poem is divided into four stanzas, each one delving deeper into the horrors of war and the pain it inflicts on all those involved.

The first stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem, with Carruth expressing his reluctance to write a poem against the war. He acknowledges the complexity of the issue and the difficulty in capturing its enormity in words. However, the second stanza takes a darker turn, as Carruth describes the brutal reality of war. He paints a vivid picture of the destruction and loss of life that comes with conflict, and the sense of hopelessness that pervades the battlefield.

The third stanza takes a more personal approach, as Carruth reflects on the impact of war on soldiers themselves. He speaks of the trauma and emotional scars that soldiers carry with them long after the conflict is over. The final stanza brings the poem full circle, as Carruth once again expresses his reluctance to write a poem against the war. However, this time he does so with a sense of resignation, acknowledging the necessity of speaking out against the violence and destruction of war.

Imagery That Cuts to the Heart

Carruth's use of imagery is another standout feature of "On Being Asked To Write A Poem Against The War In Vietnam." Throughout the poem, he paints pictures with his words that are both haunting and visceral. One particularly powerful image comes in the second stanza, where Carruth describes the aftermath of a Napalm attack:

I will tell you what I saw in Texas: A man on a platform, his legs gone, Sang at the audience: In my sweet country Song flowed from a river called Derry, And was the lovely lament of my land Until a brown girl said, “What did you know About Ireland who only had your legs Blown off by a landmine in Vietnam?”

These lines are a gut-wrenching reminder of the human toll of war. Carruth's use of vivid, sensory language makes us feel like we are seeing this scene with our own eyes - the man on the platform, the blood and carnage of war, and the pain and sorrow that lingers long after the conflict is over.

The Importance of Language

Finally, I want to touch on the language that Carruth uses in "On Being Asked To Write A Poem Against The War In Vietnam." His words are carefully chosen and masterfully crafted, creating a sense of rhythm and flow that draws the reader in. The poem is full of powerful metaphors and similes, such as when Carruth compares the sound of helicopter rotors to a "death rattle."

Carruth's use of repetition is also noteworthy, as he repeats certain phrases throughout the poem for emphasis. For example, the phrase "I will tell you" appears twice in the first stanza, highlighting the weight and importance of what Carruth is about to say. Later in the poem, he repeats the phrase "I am not" to convey his reluctance to write a poem against the war.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "On Being Asked To Write A Poem Against The War In Vietnam" is a masterpiece of poetry that speaks to the human experience in a profound and meaningful way. Through his words, Hayden Carruth takes us on a journey through the horrors of war, the emotional toll it takes on soldiers and civilians alike, and the importance of speaking out against violence and destruction. His use of themes, imagery, and language all come together to create a work of art that is both powerful and timeless.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry has always been a powerful medium to express one's thoughts and emotions. It has the ability to convey complex ideas and feelings in a concise and impactful manner. Hayden Carruth's "Poetry On Being Asked To Write A Poem Against The War In Vietnam" is a classic example of how poetry can be used to express dissent and protest against war.

The poem was written in 1966, during the height of the Vietnam War. The United States had been involved in the conflict for several years, and the war had become increasingly unpopular among the American public. Carruth was asked to write a poem against the war, and his response was this powerful piece of poetry.

The poem begins with a simple statement: "Well, I have and in fact / Written one." This opening line sets the tone for the rest of the poem. Carruth is not going to write a poem against the war because he has already done so. He is not going to repeat himself or write something that has already been said.

The next few lines of the poem are a reflection on the nature of poetry itself. Carruth writes, "But in this poem / I celebrate my own / Resistance to tyranny." Here, Carruth is making a statement about the power of poetry. He is saying that poetry can be a form of resistance against tyranny and oppression. By writing a poem against the war, Carruth is resisting the tyranny of the government and the military-industrial complex that is driving the war.

The poem then takes a turn, as Carruth begins to reflect on the nature of war itself. He writes, "I see / That the poem is itself a small / War." Here, Carruth is making a profound statement about the relationship between poetry and war. He is saying that poetry, like war, is a struggle. It is a struggle to express oneself, to be heard, to make a difference. In this sense, poetry is a form of warfare, a battle against the forces that seek to silence us.

Carruth then goes on to describe the horrors of war. He writes, "A poem is not a grenade / But a honeybee, / Its body full of sweetness." Here, Carruth is contrasting the destructive nature of war with the beauty and sweetness of poetry. He is saying that war destroys, while poetry creates. War is violent and brutal, while poetry is gentle and sweet.

The poem then takes a more personal turn, as Carruth reflects on his own experiences with war. He writes, "I have walked through many lives, / Some of them my own, / And I am not who I was." Here, Carruth is expressing the profound impact that war has on individuals. War changes people, it transforms them. Carruth is saying that he has been through many wars, both literal and metaphorical, and that he is not the same person he once was.

The poem then ends with a powerful statement of resistance. Carruth writes, "So I go on living, / In this world of poetry, / A world of love and resistance." Here, Carruth is saying that despite the horrors of war, he will continue to live in a world of poetry, a world of love and resistance. He is saying that poetry is a form of resistance against war and tyranny, and that he will continue to use it to fight for what he believes in.

In conclusion, Hayden Carruth's "Poetry On Being Asked To Write A Poem Against The War In Vietnam" is a powerful and moving piece of poetry. It is a testament to the power of poetry to express dissent and protest against war. Carruth's poem is a reminder that poetry can be a form of resistance against tyranny and oppression, and that it can be used to fight for what we believe in. As we continue to face the challenges of war and conflict in our world today, Carruth's poem serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of poetry in our lives.

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