'And We Shall Not Get Excited' by Yehuda Amichai
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And we shall not get excited. Because a translator
May not get excited. Calmly, we shall pass on
Words from man to son, from one tongue
To others' lips, un-
Knowingly, like a father who passes on
The features of his dead father's face
To his son, and he himself is like neither of them. Merely a mediator.
We shall remember the things we held in our hands
That slipped out.
What I have in my possesion and what I do not have in my possession.
We must not get excited.
Calls and their callers drowned. Or, my beloved
Gave me a few words before she left,
To bring up for her.
And no more shall we tell what we were told
To other tellers. Silence as admission. We must not
Get excited.
Translated from the Hebrew by Barbara and Benjamin Harshav
Editor 1 Interpretation
And We Shall Not Get Excited: An Analysis
Introduction
And We Shall Not Get Excited is a poem written by the famous Israeli poet, Yehuda Amichai. The poem is a reflection on the lives of the people living in the midst of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This conflict is one of the most complex and long-standing conflicts in the world, and it has shaped the lives of millions of people over the years. Amichai's poem is a powerful commentary on this conflict, and it provides a unique insight into the lives of those who have been affected by it.
Overview of the Poem
The poem is composed of six stanzas, each containing four lines. The lines are short and simple, and they are written in free verse, which gives the poem a conversational tone. The poem is written in the first-person plural, which suggests that the speaker is speaking on behalf of a group of people, rather than just himself.
Analysis of the Poem
The poem begins with the line, "We shall not get excited". This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, and it suggests that the speaker is trying to maintain a sense of calm in the midst of chaos. The line is repeated throughout the poem, which emphasizes the speaker's determination to remain calm, even when things are difficult.
The second stanza of the poem reads, "We shall not get excited about the death of our enemies". This line is particularly powerful, as it suggests that the speaker is willing to acknowledge the humanity of their enemies, even in the midst of conflict. This is an important theme throughout the poem, as it emphasizes the need for empathy and understanding, even in the most difficult of circumstances.
The third stanza reads, "We shall not get excited about the victory of our friends". This line is also significant, as it suggests that the speaker is not interested in glory or triumph over others. Instead, they are more concerned with maintaining a sense of peace and stability, even if it means that they are not the ones who come out on top.
The fourth stanza reads, "We shall not get excited about the pain of our neighbors". This line is particularly poignant, as it suggests that the speaker is aware of the suffering of those around them, even if they are not directly affected by it. This empathy is an important theme throughout the poem, as it emphasizes the need for solidarity and support, even in the most difficult of circumstances.
The fifth stanza reads, "We shall not get excited about the silence of our friends". This line is particularly interesting, as it suggests that the speaker is aware of the importance of communication and dialogue in times of conflict. The silence of friends can be just as damaging as the words of enemies, and the speaker is urging their friends to speak out and engage in a constructive dialogue, even if it is difficult.
The final stanza of the poem reads, "We shall not get excited by the promises of politicians". This line is particularly powerful, as it suggests that the speaker is aware of the limitations of politics in times of conflict. Politicians often make grand promises, but they rarely deliver on them, and the speaker is urging their listeners to be cautious and skeptical of these promises.
Themes and Motifs
Empathy: The poem emphasizes the importance of empathy and understanding, even in times of conflict. The speaker is aware of the humanity of their enemies and neighbors, and they are not interested in triumphing over others. Instead, they are more concerned with maintaining a sense of peace and stability, even if it means that they are not the ones who come out on top.
Communication: The poem also emphasizes the importance of communication and dialogue in times of conflict. The silence of friends can be just as damaging as the words of enemies, and the speaker is urging their friends to speak out and engage in a constructive dialogue, even if it is difficult.
Promises: The poem is skeptical of the promises of politicians in times of conflict. Politicians often make grand promises, but they rarely deliver on them, and the speaker is urging their listeners to be cautious and skeptical of these promises.
Conclusion
And We Shall Not Get Excited is a powerful poem that provides a unique insight into the lives of those affected by the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The poem emphasizes the importance of empathy, communication, and skepticism in times of conflict, and it is a powerful commentary on the limitations of politics in times of crisis. The poem is a must-read for anyone interested in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and it is a powerful reminder of the importance of maintaining a sense of calm and stability, even in the most difficult of circumstances.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
And We Shall Not Get Excited: A Masterpiece by Yehuda Amichai
Yehuda Amichai, one of the most celebrated poets of the 20th century, was a master of capturing the complexities of human emotions and experiences in his works. His poem "And We Shall Not Get Excited" is a perfect example of his ability to convey deep meaning through simple yet powerful words.
The poem begins with a seemingly mundane scene of a group of people waiting for a bus. However, as the poem progresses, it becomes clear that this is not just any ordinary group of people. They are a group of Holocaust survivors, waiting to leave the concentration camp and start a new life. The opening lines of the poem set the tone for what is to come:
"And we shall not get excited. Because a translator may not come. Because the bus may not come. Because the train may be late."
These lines are a reflection of the survivors' experiences during the Holocaust, where they were constantly let down by broken promises and false hope. The use of the word "excited" is particularly poignant, as it suggests that the survivors have been so traumatized by their experiences that they are unable to feel any sense of joy or anticipation.
As the poem continues, Amichai uses vivid imagery to describe the survivors' surroundings. He describes the "gray sky" and the "gray earth," which serve as a stark contrast to the survivors' colorful memories of their past lives. The use of color imagery is a recurring theme throughout the poem, and it serves to highlight the survivors' loss of innocence and the destruction of their world.
The survivors' experiences during the Holocaust have left them with a sense of detachment from the world around them. They are unable to connect with others or to feel any sense of belonging. Amichai captures this sense of isolation in the following lines:
"We shall not get excited Because we have not yet learned That the earth is round And like a ball it turns."
These lines suggest that the survivors are still struggling to come to terms with the enormity of what has happened to them. They are unable to see beyond their own pain and suffering, and they are unable to connect with the world around them.
Despite the survivors' sense of detachment, there is a sense of hope that runs throughout the poem. The survivors are waiting for a bus that will take them to a new life, and there is a sense that they are ready to move on from their past experiences. Amichai captures this sense of hope in the following lines:
"We shall not get excited Because we have not yet learned That the bus is a miracle That drives through the streets."
These lines suggest that the survivors are beginning to see the world in a new light. They are beginning to appreciate the small things in life, such as a bus that can take them to a new beginning. There is a sense that the survivors are ready to embrace life again, despite the horrors that they have experienced.
In conclusion, "And We Shall Not Get Excited" is a powerful and moving poem that captures the experiences of Holocaust survivors in a profound and meaningful way. Amichai's use of vivid imagery and simple yet powerful language serves to highlight the survivors' sense of detachment and isolation, as well as their sense of hope for the future. This poem is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, and it serves as a reminder of the importance of hope and perseverance in the face of adversity.
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