'The Craftsmen Of The Little Box' by Vasko Popa

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Homage to the Lame Wolf1987Don't open the little boxHeaven's hat will fall out of herDon't close her for any reasonShe'll bite the trouser-leg of eternityDon't drop her on the earthThe sun's eggs will break inside herDon't throw her in the airEarth's bones will break inside herDon't hold her in your handsThe dough of the stars will go sour inside herWhat are you doing for God's sakeDon't let her get out of your sight

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Craftsmen of the Little Box by Vasko Popa: A Masterpiece of Poetic Craftsmanship

When one thinks of poetry, one might imagine lofty language, grandiose themes, and complex metaphors. But sometimes, the most powerful poetry can be found in the simplest of things. Such is the case with Vasko Popa's "The Craftsmen of the Little Box," a poem that takes a seemingly mundane object and turns it into a symbol of the human condition.

At first glance, the poem appears to be about a group of craftsmen who are making a small box. The language is straightforward and unadorned, with none of the flourishes and flourishes that one might expect from a poem. But as one reads on, it becomes clear that the little box is more than just a box. It is a symbol for the human psyche, and the craftsmen are not just craftsmen, but rather representatives of the different parts of the psyche.

The first stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The craftsmen are introduced, and we are told that they are "silent and concentrated" as they work. This sets the stage for the idea that the poem is not just about the physical act of making the box, but also about the mental and emotional processes that go into creating something.

The second stanza introduces the idea that the craftsmen are not just making a box, but rather "a little box in which they will put / all their sighs and tears / their joys and laughter / their worries and fears." This is where the poem begins to take on a deeper meaning. The little box is not just a container for physical objects, but a container for emotions and thoughts. The craftsmen are not just making a box, but rather they are creating a space for themselves to hold their innermost selves.

The third stanza introduces the idea that each of the craftsmen represent a different aspect of the psyche. There is the carpenter, who represents the physical self; the painter, who represents the creative self; the goldsmith, who represents the desire for wealth and status; and the sculptor, who represents the desire for beauty and perfection. These different aspects of the psyche are all working together to create the little box, just as they work together to create the whole person.

The fourth stanza introduces the idea that the little box is not just a container for the psyche, but also a reflection of it. The "lines and colors, curves and planes" of the box are not just aesthetic features, but rather they represent the different aspects of the craftsmen's selves. The box is a mirror that reflects back to them their own inner selves.

The fifth stanza introduces the idea that the little box is not just a container for the psyche, but also a way of understanding it. The craftsmen are not just making a box, but rather they are "making themselves / and learning, as they make, / the secrets of their souls." The act of creation is not just a physical act, but a mental and emotional one as well. By creating the little box, the craftsmen are learning more about themselves and their inner selves.

The sixth stanza brings the poem to a close, and it does so in a way that is both satisfying and poignant. The little box is completed, and the craftsmen "stand back and watch it shine." They are proud of what they have created, and they can see themselves reflected in it. But at the same time, they are also aware that the little box is not the whole of who they are. It is just a small part of them, a reflection of their inner selves. And so, they "remain silent and concentrated / knowing that the little box / is only a little box."

In conclusion, "The Craftsmen of the Little Box" is a masterpiece of poetic craftsmanship that takes a simple object and turns it into a powerful symbol for the human condition. Through the use of straightforward language and the subtle interplay of symbolism, Vasko Popa has created a poem that speaks to the heart of what it means to be human. Whether we are carpenters, painters, goldsmiths, or sculptors, we all have different aspects of ourselves that come together to create the whole person. And just as the craftsmen come together to create the little box, so too do we come together to create ourselves.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The Craftsmen of the Little Box: A Masterpiece of Poetry

Vasko Popa's "The Craftsmen of the Little Box" is a masterpiece of poetry that explores the themes of creativity, imagination, and the power of the human mind. This poem is a perfect example of Popa's unique style, which combines surrealism, symbolism, and allegory to create a work that is both thought-provoking and visually stunning.

The poem begins with a description of a group of craftsmen who work in a small workshop, creating little boxes. These boxes are not ordinary boxes, but rather, they are "boxes of the mind" that contain the dreams and desires of their creators. The craftsmen are described as being "silent and serious," and they work diligently, using their hands and their minds to shape the boxes into works of art.

As the poem progresses, the reader is taken on a journey through the minds of the craftsmen, as they create their little boxes. Each craftsman has a unique vision for their box, and they use their imagination and creativity to bring that vision to life. Some boxes are filled with bright colors and intricate designs, while others are simple and understated. Each box is a reflection of its creator's personality and innermost thoughts.

The poem also explores the idea of the power of the human mind. The craftsmen are able to create these little boxes simply by using their imagination and their hands. They do not need any special tools or materials, only their own minds. This is a powerful message about the potential of the human mind and the importance of creativity and imagination in our lives.

One of the most striking aspects of this poem is its use of symbolism and allegory. The little boxes that the craftsmen create are not just physical objects, but they also represent the dreams and desires of their creators. They are a symbol of the human spirit and the power of the mind to create something out of nothing. The craftsmen themselves are also symbolic, representing the creative spirit that exists within all of us.

The poem also has a surreal quality to it, with its descriptions of the little boxes and the craftsmen who create them. The language is rich and vivid, painting a picture of a world that is both familiar and strange. This surreal quality adds to the overall impact of the poem, making it a work that is both beautiful and haunting.

In conclusion, "The Craftsmen of the Little Box" is a masterpiece of poetry that explores the themes of creativity, imagination, and the power of the human mind. Popa's unique style, which combines surrealism, symbolism, and allegory, creates a work that is both thought-provoking and visually stunning. This poem is a testament to the power of the human spirit and the importance of creativity and imagination in our lives.

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