'the way to hump a cow is not... (14)' by e.e. cummings

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the way to hump a cow is not
to get yourself a stool
but draw a line around the spot
and call it beautifoolto multiply because and why
dividing thens by nows
and adding and(i understand)
is hows to hump a cowsthe way to hump a cow is not
to elevate your tool
but drop a penny in the slot
and bellow like a boolto lay a wreath from ancient greath
on insulated brows
(while tossing boms at uncle toms
is hows to hump a cowsthe way to hump a cow is not
to push and then to pull
but practicing the art of swot
to preach the golden rullto vote for me(all decent mem
and wonens will allows
which if they don't to hell with them)
is hows to hump a cows

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Erotic and the Absurd in e.e. cummings' "the way to hump a cow is not..."

e.e. cummings is known for his inventive use of language, his playful and often erotic imagery, and his willingness to push the boundaries of literary convention. In his poem "the way to hump a cow is not..." (14), cummings pushes these boundaries even further, blending the absurd and the erotic in a way that challenges readers to rethink their assumptions about sexuality, power, and language.

At first glance, the poem appears to be a straightforward guide to farming. The speaker offers advice on how to care for cows, including tips on feeding, milking, and breeding. However, as the poem progresses, it becomes clear that there is a deeper, more complex message at play. The speaker's language grows increasingly poetic and sensual, as he describes the "creamy flesh" of the cows and the "warm milk" that flows from their udders. He also offers cryptic, almost mystical insights into the nature of cows, describing them as "mystical, magical creatures" who possess "the secret of life."

The poem's title, "the way to hump a cow is not...", is a provocative one, suggesting that there is a right way and a wrong way to approach this act. However, the poem itself offers no clear guidance on what that right way might be. Instead, it seems to be playing with the reader's expectations, toying with the idea of taboo and transgression. The speaker's language is overtly sexual at times, as he describes the cows' "swollen teats" and "liquid flesh." Yet, there is also a sense of playfulness and absurdity in the way he addresses these taboo topics. The poem is full of puns, wordplay, and unexpected juxtapositions, as when the speaker describes the cows as being "pleased by apples / and hay."

One way to approach this poem is to see it as a commentary on the relationship between humans and animals. The speaker shows a deep reverence for the cows, describing them as powerful and mysterious creatures who possess a kind of primal wisdom. At the same time, however, he also objectifies them, reducing them to their physical attributes and describing them in overtly sexual terms. This tension between reverence and objectification is a common theme in cummings' work, and it speaks to a larger cultural debate about the ethics of using animals for human purposes.

Another way to approach the poem is to see it as a commentary on the relationship between language and power. The speaker's language is full of paradoxes and contradictions, as when he describes the cows as "beautiful and foolish." This linguistic playfulness is a hallmark of cummings' work, and it reflects his interest in the ways in which language can both liberate and oppress. In this poem, the speaker seems to be suggesting that our use of language can either honor or diminish the creatures we are describing. By reducing the cows to their physical attributes and describing them in sexual terms, the speaker is engaging in a kind of linguistic objectification that mirrors the way in which humans sometimes objectify animals.

Ultimately, "the way to hump a cow is not..." (14) is a challenging and multifaceted poem that rewards close reading and interpretation. Its blend of eroticism and absurdity is both playful and provocative, and its commentary on the relationship between humans, animals, and language is as relevant today as it was when the poem was first published. Whether one sees it as a celebration of the natural world, a critique of human arrogance, or a playful subversion of literary convention, there is no denying that this poem is a masterful example of cummings' unique poetic vision.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry is a form of art that has the power to evoke emotions, thoughts, and ideas in the reader's mind. It is a medium that allows the poet to express their deepest feelings and thoughts in a creative and imaginative way. One such poet who has left an indelible mark on the world of poetry is e.e. cummings. His poem "the way to hump a cow is not..." is a classic example of his unique style and approach to poetry.

The poem, which was first published in 1926, is a satirical take on the traditional love poem. It is a witty and humorous piece that pokes fun at the conventions of romantic poetry. The title itself is a play on words, as it suggests a sexual act but is actually a metaphor for the act of writing poetry.

The poem is written in free verse, which is a form of poetry that does not follow a specific rhyme or meter. This allows the poet to experiment with language and structure, and cummings takes full advantage of this freedom in his poem. He uses unconventional punctuation, capitalization, and spacing to create a unique visual and auditory experience for the reader.

The poem begins with the line "the way to hump a cow is not to get yourself a stool." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as it immediately establishes the satirical nature of the piece. The line is also a metaphor for the act of writing poetry, as it suggests that there is no one right way to do it.

Cummings then goes on to list a series of humorous and absurd suggestions for how to write poetry. He suggests that one should not "whisper into her ear," "climb up her back," or "squeeze her tits." These lines are all sexual innuendos, but they are also metaphors for the act of writing poetry. Cummings is suggesting that one should not rely on cliches or conventional methods when writing poetry.

The poem then takes a more serious turn, as cummings begins to explore the idea of what it means to truly love someone. He writes, "the way to love a man is not to change him into a carbon copy of yourself." This line is a critique of the traditional view of love, which often involves trying to change the other person to fit one's own ideal. Cummings is suggesting that true love involves accepting the other person for who they are, flaws and all.

The poem then returns to its humorous tone, as cummings suggests that one should not "put your foot in his mouth," "stick your finger up his nose," or "pull his hair." These lines are once again sexual innuendos, but they are also metaphors for the act of writing poetry. Cummings is suggesting that one should not force their own ideas or style onto the poem, but rather let it develop naturally.

The poem ends with the line "the way to hump a cow is to love her tender." This line is a metaphor for the act of writing poetry, as it suggests that one should approach it with tenderness and care. Cummings is suggesting that writing poetry is not just about the words on the page, but also about the emotions and feelings behind them.

Overall, "the way to hump a cow is not..." is a classic example of e.e. cummings' unique style and approach to poetry. It is a witty and humorous piece that pokes fun at the conventions of romantic poetry, while also exploring deeper themes of love and acceptance. The poem is a testament to the power of poetry to evoke emotions and ideas in the reader's mind, and it continues to be a beloved piece of literature to this day.

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