'(Desire)Threadbare(Desires)' by Bill Knott
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-to S.
The light lay in shreds across the bed,
only your waking could make it whole;
resuming its costume of day, its role
which seems to overnight get ragged--
Fate latent as weights in theater
curtainhems, what soul is sewn here
to be rung down at last, divested
of these disguises. But if we are
bared by such cloth as cries in this
lament for the sun's fragility,
would I dare now to shake you astir--
to drape over you my shadow, whose
myth-ex-machina remains all mine,
mine, and therefore torn from yours.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Desire Threadbare Desires by Bill Knott
Oh, what a powerful piece of poetry we have here! Bill Knott’s “Desire Threadbare Desires” is a mesmerizing work of art that grips the reader from the very first line. This poem is not just a simple piece of writing, but a deep and intricate exploration of human desires, and how they can sometimes lead us astray.
The poem is divided into three stanzas, each exploring a different aspect of desire. In the first stanza, we see the narrator grappling with a feeling of emptiness and a desperate need for something to fill the void. He says, “My life is a blank, a hole / A void that must be filled / With something, anything.”
This feeling of emptiness is something that many people can relate to, especially in today’s world where we are constantly bombarded with messages telling us that we need more, more, more. The desire for material possessions, for success, for love, and for fulfillment can become all-consuming, leading us down paths that are ultimately unsatisfying.
In the second stanza, the narrator explores the idea of desire as a prison. He says, “Desire is a trap, a snare / That binds me tight, unbreakable / I long to be free, unburdened / But desire holds me in its grip.”
This stanza speaks to the idea that our desires can sometimes control us, leading us down paths that we would not otherwise choose. We can become slaves to our desires, unable to break free and find true fulfillment. The imagery of a trap or snare is particularly powerful, emphasizing the idea that desire can be dangerous and lead us into dark places.
The final stanza of the poem brings everything together, as the narrator realizes that the answer to his emptiness and desire is not to seek fulfillment in external things, but to find it within himself. He says, “I am the answer, the key / To my own happiness, my own bliss / I need only to look within / To find the fulfillment I seek.”
This realization is powerful and profound, reminding us that true happiness and fulfillment can only come from within. We cannot rely on external things to bring us happiness, but must instead cultivate it within ourselves.
One of the things that makes this poem so effective is its use of imagery. Knott’s words paint vivid pictures in the reader’s mind, from the blank hole of the first stanza to the trap and snare of the second. The final stanza brings a sense of light and hope, as the narrator realizes that he holds the key to his own happiness.
Another element of the poem that stands out is its use of repetition. The phrase “desire threadbare desires” is repeated several times throughout the poem, emphasizing the idea that our desires can ultimately become worn and tattered, leaving us feeling empty and unfulfilled.
Overall, “Desire Threadbare Desires” is a powerful and thought-provoking work of poetry that explores the complex and often destructive nature of human desire. It reminds us that true happiness and fulfillment can only come from within, and that we must be careful not to become enslaved by our desires. This is a poem that will stay with the reader long after the last line has been read, and will continue to resonate with them as they navigate the complexities of their own desires and aspirations.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Desire is a powerful emotion that drives us to pursue our dreams and aspirations. It is the fuel that propels us forward, giving us the energy and motivation to overcome obstacles and achieve our goals. However, desire can also be a double-edged sword, leading us down paths that are ultimately unfulfilling or even destructive. This complex interplay between desire and its consequences is explored in the classic poem "Threadbare(Desires)" by Bill Knott.
At its core, "Threadbare(Desires)" is a meditation on the nature of desire and its impact on our lives. The poem begins with a stark image of a "threadbare coat" that has been worn down by years of use. This coat serves as a metaphor for the speaker's own desires, which have been worn down and frayed by the passage of time. The speaker reflects on the many desires they have pursued over the years, from "love" to "fame" to "wealth," and how each of these desires has left them feeling empty and unfulfilled.
The poem's central message is that desire is ultimately a futile pursuit, leading us down paths that are ultimately unfulfilling. The speaker laments that "all my desires / have left me threadbare," suggesting that the pursuit of desire has left them feeling worn out and exhausted. This sense of weariness is further emphasized in the poem's closing lines, where the speaker declares that they are "tired of wanting / what I can't have."
However, while the poem is certainly critical of the pursuit of desire, it is not entirely dismissive of it. The speaker acknowledges that desire is a fundamental part of the human experience, and that it can be a source of great joy and fulfillment. The problem, as the poem sees it, is not desire itself, but rather the way in which we pursue it. The speaker suggests that we often pursue our desires in a way that is ultimately self-destructive, leading us down paths that are ultimately unfulfilling.
This theme is further explored in the poem's use of imagery. The image of the "threadbare coat" is particularly powerful, as it suggests that our desires can wear us down and leave us feeling empty and exhausted. Similarly, the image of the "empty room" in the poem's second stanza suggests that our desires can lead us to a place of emptiness and isolation, where we are left with nothing but our own unfulfilled longings.
Despite its somewhat bleak message, "Threadbare(Desires)" is ultimately a hopeful poem. The speaker suggests that there is a way out of the cycle of desire and disappointment, and that this way out lies in accepting our limitations and finding contentment in what we already have. The poem's closing lines, where the speaker declares that they are "tired of wanting / what I can't have," suggest that the speaker has come to a place of acceptance and peace, where they are no longer driven by the endless pursuit of desire.
In conclusion, "Threadbare(Desires)" is a powerful meditation on the nature of desire and its impact on our lives. Through its use of vivid imagery and poignant language, the poem explores the complex interplay between desire and its consequences, ultimately suggesting that the pursuit of desire can be a futile and self-destructive endeavor. However, the poem is not entirely dismissive of desire, and suggests that there is a way out of the cycle of disappointment and unfulfillment. By accepting our limitations and finding contentment in what we already have, we can break free from the endless pursuit of desire and find peace and fulfillment in our lives.
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