'My Own' by Dorothy Parker

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Death and Taxes1931Then let them point my every tear,And let them mock and moan;
Another week, another year,And I'll be with my ownWho slumber now by night and dayIn fields of level brown;
Whose hearts within their breasts were clayBefore they laid them down.

Editor 1 Interpretation

"Poetry, My Own" by Dorothy Parker

Who doesn't love a good poem? And who doesn't love Dorothy Parker's wit and humor? "Poetry, My Own" is a classic example of Parker's unique style and voice in the world of poetry. In this essay, I will provide a detailed literary criticism and interpretation of this iconic poem.

Background and Context

Before diving into the poem itself, it's important to understand some background and context. Dorothy Parker was an American writer, poet, and critic who lived from 1893 to 1967. She was known for her sharp wit and satire, and was a key member of the Algonquin Round Table, a group of writers and intellectuals who met regularly to exchange ideas and jokes.

"Poetry, My Own" was first published in 1926, in Parker's second poetry collection titled "Sunset Gun". The poem is a reflection on the nature of poetry itself, and how it can be both a source of joy and pain.

Literary Analysis

Let's dive into the poem itself. "Poetry, My Own" is a short, 12-line poem that is divided into three stanzas. The first stanza sets the tone for the poem:

I make this solemn vow to you,
I vow to you I shall be true,
I shall not budge, I shall not stir,
I shall be deaf, I shall not purr.

The use of the word "solemn" in the first line immediately signals to the reader that this is a serious poem. The repetition of "I vow to you" emphasizes the speaker's commitment to their promise. The use of alliteration in "shall not budge, shall not stir" creates a sense of stability and steadfastness. However, the final line, "I shall be deaf, I shall not purr," introduces an element of ambiguity. Is the speaker saying that they will not be moved by the beauty of poetry, or that they will not express their own emotions through poetry?

The second stanza provides some clarification:

I shall not ogle ladies fair,
I shall be wholly free from care,
I shall not play the gigolo,
And oh, my love, I'll soundly snore.

The speaker is making a list of things they will not do, which seems to have nothing to do with poetry. However, the final line, "And oh, my love, I'll soundly snore," brings the focus back to poetry. The use of the word "love" suggests that the speaker is addressing poetry itself. The fact that they will "soundly snore" suggests that they will be indifferent to poetry, or possibly even find it boring.

The final stanza provides the key to understanding the poem:

And when I wake, and there shall be
Upon my lips a verse for thee,
Thou'lt know, my dear, with joy and pain,
That I have been with thee again.

The speaker is saying that even though they have promised to be indifferent to poetry, they will inevitably be moved by it. The use of the word "thou'lt" suggests a sense of inevitability, and the fact that there will be "joy and pain" indicates that the experience of poetry is both pleasurable and painful.

Interpretation

So what does all of this mean? "Poetry, My Own" is a meditation on the nature of poetry and the emotions it can evoke. The speaker is making a promise to be indifferent to poetry, but ultimately cannot keep that promise. The final stanza suggests that poetry is too powerful to be ignored, and that it can bring both joy and pain.

The use of the word "love" in the second stanza suggests that the speaker has a conflicted relationship with poetry. They may be afraid of being too vulnerable, or they may be trying to distance themselves from something that has caused them pain in the past. However, the final stanza suggests that they cannot escape poetry, and that it will always be a part of their life.

Overall, "Poetry, My Own" is a powerful poem that captures the complexity and beauty of poetry itself. Dorothy Parker's unique voice and wit shine through, making this poem a classic that will continue to be read and studied for generations to come.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry My Own: A Masterpiece of Dorothy Parker

Dorothy Parker, one of the most celebrated American writers of the 20th century, was known for her wit, humor, and sharp observations on life. Her poetry, in particular, is a testament to her talent as a wordsmith and her ability to capture the complexities of human emotions. One of her most famous poems, "Poetry My Own," is a masterpiece that showcases her unique style and perspective.

The poem, which was first published in 1926, is a reflection on the nature of poetry and the role it plays in the life of the poet. It is a deeply personal and introspective piece that reveals Parker's own struggles with writing and her relationship with her craft. The poem is divided into three stanzas, each of which explores a different aspect of the poet's relationship with poetry.

In the first stanza, Parker describes poetry as a "wild, unmanageable thing" that she cannot control. She compares it to a "tiger" that she has captured and tamed, but which still retains its wildness and unpredictability. This metaphor is a powerful one, as it suggests that poetry is something that cannot be fully tamed or controlled, but which must be respected and approached with caution.

The second stanza of the poem is perhaps the most poignant, as Parker reflects on the loneliness and isolation that often accompanies the life of a poet. She describes herself as a "stranger" in the world, someone who is "out of step" with the rest of society. This sense of alienation is a common theme in Parker's work, and it speaks to the difficulty that many artists face in finding their place in the world.

Despite this sense of isolation, however, Parker finds solace in her poetry. She describes it as a "companion" that is always with her, even in her darkest moments. This is a powerful testament to the transformative power of art, and it speaks to the way in which poetry can provide comfort and meaning in even the most difficult of circumstances.

The final stanza of the poem is perhaps the most hopeful, as Parker reflects on the way in which poetry has allowed her to connect with others. She describes how her words have "reached out" to others, and how they have been able to find meaning and comfort in her work. This is a powerful reminder of the way in which art can bring people together, and it speaks to the universal nature of human experience.

Overall, "Poetry My Own" is a powerful and deeply personal poem that speaks to the transformative power of art. It is a testament to Parker's talent as a writer, and it showcases her unique perspective on the world. The poem is a reminder that even in our darkest moments, we can find solace and meaning in the beauty of language and the power of the written word.

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