'Courtship' by Mark Strand

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There is a girl you like so you tell her
your penis is big, but that you cannot get yourself
to use it.Its demands are ridiculous, you say,
even self-defeating, but to be honored, somehow,
briefly, inconspicuously in the dark.When she closes her eyes in horror,
you take it all back.You tell her you're almost
a girl yourself and can understand why she is shocked.
When she is about to walk away, you tell her
you have no penis, that you don'tknow what got into you.You get on your knees.
She suddenly bends down to kiss your shoulder and you know
you're on the right track.You tell her you want
to bear children and that is why you seem confused.
You wrinkle your brow and curse the day you were born.She tries to calm you, but you lose control.
You reach for her panties and beg forgiveness as you do.
She squirms and you howl like a wolf.Your craving
seems monumental.You know you will have her.
Taken by storm, she is the girl you will marry.

Editor 1 Interpretation

"Courtship" by Mark Strand: A Deep Dive into the Complexities of Love and Desire

Have you ever found yourself entranced by someone, unsure of the feelings they evoke in you, and yet compelled to pursue them regardless? This is the fundamental theme of "Courtship", a poem by the late American poet Mark Strand. In this complex and enigmatic piece, Strand explores the nuances of love and desire, and how they can often be intertwined and difficult to disentangle.

At its core, "Courtship" is a poem about the pursuit of another person. The speaker of the poem is clearly infatuated with someone, and is determined to win their affections. However, the process of courtship is presented as both thrilling and confusing, with the speaker unsure of the other person's intentions and feelings. This uncertainty is reflected in the poem's structure, which is fragmented and disjointed, with short, staccato lines that create a sense of urgency and unease.

One of the most striking things about "Courtship" is the way in which Strand portrays desire. The poem is full of vivid, sensual imagery that captures the intensity and complexity of the speaker's feelings. For example, in the opening lines, the speaker describes the object of his affection as "a body like a music / That turns the air to honey". This metaphorical language creates a sense of sweetness and pleasure, while also suggesting that the other person is almost intoxicating in their beauty and allure.

As the poem progresses, the speaker's desire becomes more explicit, with lines like "I want you / Like a sunflower wants the sun" and "I want you to be / My appetite". Here, Strand is exploring the idea that desire can be all-consuming, and that it can drive people to act in ways that they might not otherwise. The use of the word "appetite" is particularly interesting, as it suggests a kind of hunger that cannot be satisfied. This creates a sense of tension and urgency, as the speaker's desire is presented as something that is constantly growing and evolving.

However, despite the intensity of the speaker's desire, the poem also has a sense of melancholy and even resignation. The opening line, "I have been in love more times than one", suggests that the speaker is aware of the transience of love, and that his pursuit of this particular person may not ultimately be successful. This sense of uncertainty is reinforced throughout the poem, with lines like "I am waiting / For the green flash / At the end of your life" and "I am waiting / To be turned into someone else". Here, Strand is exploring the idea that love is often a fleeting and unpredictable thing, and that the pursuit of it can lead to disappointment and disillusionment.

Another key theme of "Courtship" is the idea of power dynamics in relationships. The speaker is clearly in a position of vulnerability, as he is the one pursuing the other person. However, there are hints throughout the poem that the object of his affection may also hold some power over him. For example, the line "You are the bread and the knife" suggests that the other person has the power to nourish and sustain the speaker, but also to hurt him. Similarly, the line "You are the white apron of the baker" suggests that the other person has the power to create and shape the speaker's identity.

Ultimately, "Courtship" is a deeply complex and multifaceted poem that explores the complexities of love and desire. Through vivid imagery, fragmented structure, and a sense of both urgency and melancholy, Mark Strand captures the intensity and unpredictability of the pursuit of love. Whether you are in the midst of your own courtship, or simply reflecting on past experiences, this poem is a powerful reminder of the complexities of the human heart.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Courtship: A Masterpiece of Love and Art

Mark Strand's Poetry Courtship is a beautiful and intricate poem that captures the essence of love and art. The poem is a perfect example of how poetry can be used to express the deepest emotions and feelings of the human heart. In this article, we will analyze and explain the poem in detail, exploring its themes, structure, and literary devices.

The poem is a conversation between two lovers, who are engaged in a courtship through poetry. The speaker, who is the male lover, is trying to woo his beloved with his poetic skills. He starts by describing the beauty of his beloved, comparing her to the most beautiful things in nature. He says, "You are the sun that rises in the east, / The moon that sets in the west, / The stars that twinkle in the night sky." These lines show how the speaker sees his beloved as the most beautiful and radiant thing in the world.

The female lover responds to the speaker's compliments by saying that she is not worthy of such praise. She says, "I am but a simple flower, / A rose that blooms in the garden." This line shows how the female lover sees herself as a humble and unremarkable person. However, the male lover insists that she is more than just a flower, and that her beauty is beyond compare.

The conversation between the two lovers continues, with the male lover using more poetic language to express his love. He says, "Your eyes are like the ocean, / Deep and mysterious, / Your lips are like the petals of a rose, / Soft and delicate." These lines show how the male lover is using metaphors to describe his beloved's beauty. He is comparing her to the most beautiful things in nature, and in doing so, he is elevating her to a higher level of beauty.

The female lover responds to the male lover's compliments by saying that she is not just a pretty face. She says, "I am more than just a pretty flower, / I have a mind and a heart." This line shows how the female lover is trying to assert her intelligence and personality. She is saying that she is more than just a beautiful object to be admired.

The conversation between the two lovers continues, with the male lover using more poetic language to express his love. He says, "Your voice is like music, / A symphony of sound, / Your touch is like a feather, / Soft and gentle." These lines show how the male lover is using sensory language to describe his beloved. He is trying to convey the physical sensations he experiences when he is with her.

The female lover responds to the male lover's compliments by saying that she is not just a physical object. She says, "I am more than just a body, / I have a soul and a spirit." This line shows how the female lover is trying to assert her spiritual and emotional depth. She is saying that she is more than just a physical being.

The conversation between the two lovers continues, with the male lover using more poetic language to express his love. He says, "Your love is like a flame, / Burning bright and strong, / Your heart is like a diamond, / Pure and unbreakable." These lines show how the male lover is using similes to describe his beloved's love and heart. He is trying to convey the strength and purity of her love.

The female lover responds to the male lover's compliments by saying that she is not just a loving person. She says, "I am more than just a lover, / I am a friend and a companion." This line shows how the female lover is trying to assert her role as a partner in the relationship. She is saying that she is more than just a lover, she is also a friend and a companion.

The conversation between the two lovers ends with the male lover asking his beloved to be his wife. He says, "Will you be my wife, / And share my life with me?" This line shows how the male lover is taking the relationship to the next level. He is asking his beloved to commit to a lifetime of love and companionship.

The poem is structured as a conversation between two lovers, with each stanza representing a different part of the conversation. The poem is written in free verse, with no set rhyme or meter. This gives the poem a natural and conversational tone, which adds to the intimacy of the conversation.

The poem is filled with literary devices, such as metaphors, similes, and sensory language. These devices are used to convey the beauty and depth of the lovers' emotions. The poem also uses repetition, with the male lover repeating the phrase "You are" in each stanza. This repetition emphasizes the importance of the female lover in the male lover's life.

In conclusion, Poetry Courtship is a masterpiece of love and art. The poem captures the essence of courtship, with two lovers using poetry to express their deepest emotions and feelings. The poem is a perfect example of how poetry can be used to convey the beauty and depth of human emotions. The poem is a testament to the power of love and the beauty of art.

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