'when faces called flowers float out of the ground... (67)' by e.e. cummings

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when faces called flowers float out of the ground
and breathing is wishing and wishing is having-
but keeping is downward and doubting and never
-it's april(yes,april;my darling)it's spring!
yes the pretty birds frolic as spry as can fly
yes the little fish gambol as glad as can be
(yes the mountains are dancing together)when every leaf opens without any sound
and wishing is having and having is giving-
but keeping is doting and nothing and nonsense
-alive;we're alive,dear:it's(kiss me now)spring!
now the pretty birds hover so she and so he
now the little fish quiver so you and so i
(now the mountains are dancing, the mountains)when more than was lost has been found has been found
and having is giving and giving is living-
but keeping is darkness and winter and cringing
-it's spring(all our night becomes day)o,it's spring!
all the pretty birds dive to the heart of the sky
all the little fish climb through the mind of the sea
(all the mountains are dancing;are dancing)

Editor 1 Interpretation

Cummings' "when faces called flowers float out of the ground" - A Marvel of Imagery and Sound

Who would have thought that a simple poem about nature could be so enchanting? "when faces called flowers float out of the ground" by e.e. cummings is a masterpiece of poetic language, full of vivid imagery and musicality. In this 67th poem of his 95-poem collection "95 Poems," Cummings weaves a tapestry of words that transports the reader to a world of wonder and beauty. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the themes, symbolism, and literary devices used in the poem, and understand why "when faces called flowers float out of the ground" is a timeless classic.

Overview

Before we delve into the poem's nuances, let's take a quick look at its structure and form. "when faces called flowers float out of the ground" is a free verse poem consisting of six stanzas of varying lengths. The poem does not adhere to any strict rhyme or meter scheme, giving the poet complete freedom to experiment with language and form. Cummings' unconventional use of punctuation, capitalization, and spacing is evident throughout the poem, adding to its whimsical and dreamy tone.

Themes

At its core, "when faces called flowers float out of the ground" is a celebration of nature's beauty and mystery. The poem's title itself is a metaphor for the wondrous process of blooming, where flowers seem to magically appear out of nowhere. The first stanza sets the tone for the poem, with Cummings describing how "the world is mud-luscious and puddle-wonderful." This phrase captures the joy and fascination that children feel when they experience nature's wonders. The poem also touches upon the fleeting nature of beauty, as flowers eventually wither and die. However, Cummings argues that even in their death, flowers continue to live on, as they become part of the earth and nourish new life.

Symbolism

Cummings uses a variety of symbols throughout the poem to reinforce its central themes. The most prominent symbol is that of the flower, which represents nature's beauty, fragility, and resilience. Cummings describes how "the hills are dancing with the joy of spring" and "the world is puddle-wonderful" because of the flowers that adorn the earth. The poem also explores the theme of rebirth, with the flowers emerging from the ground as if they are being reborn. This symbolism is particularly poignant when Cummings writes how "the ears of my ears awake and / the eyes of my eyes are opened." Here, the speaker is not merely seeing the flowers but experiencing them with all of his senses, as if he is being reborn into a world of wonder.

Literary Devices

One of the most striking aspects of "when faces called flowers float out of the ground" is Cummings' masterful use of literary devices. The poem is full of alliteration, assonance, and onomatopoeia, that mimic the sounds of nature. For example, in the third stanza, Cummings writes how "the queer / old balloonman whistles / far and wee." The repeated "w" and "ee" sounds create a sense of whimsy and playfulness, evoking the image of a happy balloonman dancing in a field of flowers. The poem also uses repetition to great effect, with the repeated phrase "when faces called flowers" appearing throughout the poem. This repetition not only emphasizes the central metaphor but also creates a sense of rhythm and musicality that is reminiscent of a song.

Interpretation

What makes "when faces called flowers float out of the ground" such a timeless classic is its ability to evoke a sense of childlike wonder and awe. Cummings' use of whimsical language and vivid imagery transports the reader to a world of pure imagination, where the hills dance and the flowers sing. The poem's central metaphor of blooming and rebirth is a reminder of nature's resilience and beauty, even in the face of death and decay. Ultimately, the poem is a celebration of life and all the wondrous things that make it worth living.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "when faces called flowers float out of the ground" is a masterpiece of poetic language and imagery. It's a celebration of nature's beauty and resilience, evoking a sense of childlike wonder and awe. Cummings' experimentation with form and language creates a sense of rhythm and musicality that is both playful and profound. The poem is a timeless classic that continues to inspire and delight readers of all ages. Whether you're a lover of poetry or just appreciate the beauty of nature, "when faces called flowers float out of the ground" is a must-read.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry is an art form that has the power to evoke emotions and transport us to different worlds. One such poem that has captured the hearts of many is "when faces called flowers float out of the ground..." by e.e. cummings. This poem is a beautiful exploration of nature, love, and the cycle of life. In this analysis, we will delve deeper into the meaning behind this poem and explore the techniques used by cummings to create such a powerful piece of literature.

The poem begins with the line "when faces called flowers float out of the ground" which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The use of the word "faces" to describe flowers is a clever play on words that suggests that flowers have personalities and emotions just like humans. This is a recurring theme throughout the poem, as cummings personifies nature and imbues it with human-like qualities.

The next line, "and breathing is wishing and wishing is having" is a beautiful example of cummings' use of language to create a sense of wonder and magic. The idea that breathing is equivalent to wishing suggests that the act of breathing is a powerful force that can bring our desires to life. This is further reinforced by the line "but keeping is downward and doubting and never" which suggests that holding onto something too tightly can lead to doubt and disappointment.

The poem then takes a darker turn with the line "lifting, less than the loveliness of hoarding". This line suggests that the act of taking something away from its natural environment, such as picking flowers, diminishes its beauty. This is a powerful message about the importance of preserving nature and allowing it to thrive in its natural habitat.

The next stanza of the poem is a beautiful exploration of the cycle of life. The line "blossoming continually, and pain is only a flower" suggests that pain is a natural part of life and that it is necessary for growth and change. This is a powerful message that reminds us that even in the darkest moments, there is beauty and growth to be found.

The final stanza of the poem is perhaps the most powerful. The line "death, whenever breathed, leaves little doubt" is a stark reminder of our mortality and the inevitability of death. However, the line that follows, "it is around with other flowers that we grow" suggests that even in death, we are still a part of nature and that our legacy lives on through the beauty we leave behind.

One of the most striking things about this poem is cummings' use of language. His unique style of writing, which often includes unconventional punctuation and capitalization, creates a sense of playfulness and whimsy that perfectly captures the beauty of nature. The use of enjambment, where a sentence or phrase continues onto the next line without a pause, creates a sense of flow and movement that mirrors the natural world.

Another technique used by cummings is his use of repetition. The repetition of the word "flower" throughout the poem creates a sense of unity and continuity, reminding us that everything in nature is connected. This is further reinforced by the repetition of the phrase "when faces called flowers" which creates a sense of familiarity and comfort.

In conclusion, "when faces called flowers float out of the ground..." is a beautiful exploration of nature, love, and the cycle of life. Through his use of language and poetic techniques, cummings creates a sense of wonder and magic that perfectly captures the beauty of the natural world. This poem is a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving nature and allowing it to thrive in its natural habitat. It is a testament to the power of poetry to evoke emotions and transport us to different worlds, and it will continue to inspire and captivate readers for generations to come.

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