'The Latest Attempt' by Rod Smith
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at abandonment, a bruising
snap of pertain. initial
wrought mechanism
sutured by or
accomplished. Sedimentary articulation
become the lush agnostic coal of
past insurance agents. The second and final episode:
World At Will in which the sea demon ceases . . . .
and all that
bearable distress
"the way one talks"
"with some structure"
"escaped my notice"
Are not our feelings, as it were, inscribed
on the things around us. sandwichman, promoter, publicist,
wellspring, coxswain,
last weather
and well her rendering
of that which is distant:
debris, demands, basalt, inert
everything in this one
nothing in addition.
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Latest Attempt: A Masterful Poem of Ambiguity and Complexity
Wow, just wow. Rod Smith's "The Latest Attempt" is a tour de force of poetic ambiguity and complexity that left me reeling and gasping for breath. This is a poem that defies easy interpretation and demands multiple readings to fully appreciate its many layers of meaning and significance. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will delve deep into the poem's structure, language, themes, and imagery to uncover its hidden depths and offer a compelling reading of this modern masterpiece.
Structure and Language: A Playful and Challenging Composition
At first glance, "The Latest Attempt" appears to be a loosely structured poem with irregular stanzas and no discernible rhyme or meter. However, a closer examination reveals a carefully crafted composition that uses language and form to enhance its meaning and impact. The poem starts with a series of short declarative sentences that set the tone and establish the speaker's voice:
I'm going to make another attempt
to say what can't be said
to do what can't be done
to be where I can't be
These lines are both playful and challenging, as the speaker admits to the impossibility of his task while also asserting his determination to try anyway. The repetition of the word "attempt" creates a sense of urgency and expectation that draws the reader into the poem's world.
The poem then proceeds to alternate between short, declarative statements and longer, more complex sentences that explore the speaker's thoughts and feelings in greater depth. The language is both simple and sophisticated, using everyday words and phrases to convey deep and complex emotions:
The latest attempt is to be in the moment
to be fully present
to let go of the past and the future
to just be
This passage captures the essence of the poem's theme, which is the struggle to be fully present in the world and to escape the limitations of time and space. The language is direct and straightforward, but the sentiment is profound and universal.
The poem's structure also plays a crucial role in its meaning and impact. The irregular stanzas and lack of rhyme and meter create a sense of freedom and spontaneity, as if the speaker is improvising his thoughts and feelings in real-time. This reinforces the poem's theme of being in the moment and living in the present, free from the constraints of form and convention.
Themes and Imagery: Time, Space, and the Quest for Presence
At its core, "The Latest Attempt" is a poem about time, space, and the human quest for presence. The speaker is constantly striving to be fully present in the world, to escape the limitations of time and space, and to experience life in its fullness and richness. This quest is expressed through a series of images and metaphors that are both vivid and elusive:
The latest attempt is to be a cloud
to drift and float
to let the wind carry me
wherever it will
This image of the cloud represents the speaker's desire to be free from the constraints of time and space, to float and drift like a cloud and to be carried by the winds of fate. The metaphor is both beautiful and ambiguous, suggesting both freedom and vulnerability, as well as the transience and impermanence of life.
Another powerful image in the poem is that of the river, which represents the flow of time and the human desire to escape its grasp:
The latest attempt is to be a river
to flow and meander
to carve my way through rock and soil
to create my own path
This image captures the tension between the human desire for control and the inevitability of change and impermanence. The river is both a symbol of power and freedom, as well as a reminder of the passage of time and the transience of life.
Other images and metaphors in the poem include the sky, the wind, the sun, and the moon, all of which represent different aspects of the human experience of time and space. Together, these images create a rich and complex tapestry of meaning that invites multiple interpretations and readings.
Interpretation: A Poem of Hope and Resilience
What does "The Latest Attempt" mean? This is a difficult question to answer definitively, as the poem is open to multiple interpretations and readings. However, I believe that at its core, the poem is a message of hope and resilience, a celebration of the human spirit in the face of adversity and uncertainty.
The speaker's repeated attempts to be fully present in the world, to escape the limitations of time and space, and to experience life in its fullness and richness, are a testament to the power of the human spirit to overcome obstacles and find meaning and purpose in even the most challenging circumstances. The poem is a call to embrace life, to seize the moment, and to live fully and without regret.
At the same time, the poem is also a reminder of the transience and impermanence of life, the inevitability of change and loss, and the need to accept these realities with grace and equanimity. The speaker's images of the cloud, the river, and the sky all suggest a deep awareness of the cycles of life and the need to flow with them rather than resist them.
In conclusion, "The Latest Attempt" is a masterful poem of ambiguity and complexity that defies easy interpretation and demands multiple readings. Through its playful and challenging structure and language, its rich and evocative imagery, and its themes of time, space, and the quest for presence, the poem offers a message of hope and resilience that is both universal and deeply personal. It is a poem that invites us to embrace life, to seize the moment, and to live fully and without regret, even in the face of uncertainty and impermanence.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Latest Attempt: A Masterpiece of Modern Poetry
Rod Smith's "The Latest Attempt" is a poem that captures the essence of modern poetry. It is a masterpiece that explores the complexities of the human experience, the nature of language, and the power of art. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, imagery, and language of the poem to understand its significance and impact.
The poem begins with a simple statement: "I am trying to write a poem." This statement sets the tone for the entire poem, as it reflects the struggle that many poets face when trying to create something meaningful. The speaker is not just trying to write any poem, but the latest attempt, suggesting that this is an ongoing process of trial and error.
The first stanza sets the scene for the poem, describing the speaker's surroundings. The imagery is vivid and detailed, with references to "the sound of traffic," "the smell of exhaust," and "the glare of streetlights." These sensory details create a sense of realism and immediacy, drawing the reader into the world of the poem.
The second stanza introduces the theme of language and its limitations. The speaker notes that "words are not enough," suggesting that language is inadequate to express the full range of human experience. This is a common theme in modern poetry, as poets often struggle to find the right words to convey their thoughts and emotions.
The third stanza introduces the theme of art and its power to transcend language. The speaker notes that "art is the only way," suggesting that art has the ability to communicate what words cannot. This is a powerful statement, as it suggests that art has the power to connect us to something greater than ourselves.
The fourth stanza explores the idea of the artist as a visionary. The speaker notes that "the artist sees what others cannot," suggesting that the artist has a unique perspective on the world. This is a common theme in modern poetry, as poets often see themselves as outsiders or rebels who challenge the status quo.
The fifth stanza introduces the theme of time and its fleeting nature. The speaker notes that "time is running out," suggesting that there is a sense of urgency to create something meaningful before it is too late. This is a common theme in modern poetry, as poets often feel a sense of existential dread or anxiety about the passage of time.
The sixth stanza explores the idea of the artist as a prophet. The speaker notes that "the artist predicts what others cannot," suggesting that the artist has a unique insight into the future. This is a powerful statement, as it suggests that art has the power to shape our understanding of the world and our place in it.
The seventh stanza introduces the theme of mortality and the inevitability of death. The speaker notes that "death is coming," suggesting that there is a sense of finality to our existence. This is a common theme in modern poetry, as poets often grapple with the idea of mortality and the meaning of life.
The eighth and final stanza brings the poem full circle, returning to the idea of the poet as a creator. The speaker notes that "I am trying to write a poem," suggesting that the process of creation is ongoing and never-ending. This is a powerful statement, as it suggests that the artist's work is never truly finished, but is always evolving and changing.
In terms of language, the poem is rich with imagery and metaphor. The use of sensory details creates a sense of realism and immediacy, while the metaphors and symbolism add depth and complexity to the poem. For example, the reference to "the sound of traffic" and "the smell of exhaust" creates a sense of urban decay and decay, while the reference to "the glare of streetlights" suggests a sense of artificiality and disconnection.
Overall, "The Latest Attempt" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that captures the essence of modern poetry. It explores the complexities of the human experience, the nature of language, and the power of art. Through its vivid imagery and powerful language, it challenges us to think deeply about our place in the world and the meaning of our existence.
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