'With Tenure' by David Lehman
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If Ezra Pound were alive today
(and he is)
he'd be teaching
at a small college in the Pacific Northwest
and attending the annual convention
of writing instructors in St. Louis
and railing against tenure,
saying tenure
is a ladder whose rungs slip out
from under the scholar as he climbs
upwards to empty heaven
by the angels abandoned
for tenure killeth the spirit
(with tenure no man becomes master)
Texts are unwritten with tenure,
under the microscope, sous rature
it turneth the scholar into a drone
decayeth the pipe in his jacket's breast pocket.
Hamlet was not written with tenure,
nor were written Schubert's lieder
nor Manet's Olympia painted with tenure.
No man of genius rises by tenure
Nor woman (I see you smile).
Picasso came not by tenure
nor Charlie Parker;
Came not by tenure Wallace Stevens
Not by tenure Marcel Proust
Nor Turner by tenure
With tenure hath only the mediocre
a sinecure unto death. Unto death, I say!
WITH TENURE
Nature is constipated the sap doesn't flow
With tenure the classroom is empty
et in academia ego
the ketchup is stuck inside the bottle
the letter goes unanswered the bell doesn't ring.
Editor 1 Interpretation
With Tenure: A Critique and Interpretation
David Lehman's poem "With Tenure" is a brilliant piece of poetry that captures the essence of academic life. The poem is a satire that portrays the life of a university professor who has been granted tenure, a lifetime appointment that provides job security and academic freedom. Lehman uses humor, irony, and sarcasm to convey the complexities of academic life and the challenges faced by those who pursue a career in academia.
The Theme of With Tenure
The central theme of the poem is the tension between the academic ideal of pursuing knowledge and the reality of the academic world. The poet uses the image of the "ivory tower," a metaphor for the academic world, to depict the disconnect between the academic world and the real world. The poem portrays the academic world as a place where the quest for knowledge is often overshadowed by the pursuit of status, power, and money.
The poem is a critique of the academic world, and Lehman uses his wit and humor to expose the flaws and contradictions of academia. The poem is a commentary on the corruption of the academic world, where tenure is granted not for academic achievement but for political connections, where research is often driven by funding rather than intellectual curiosity, and where the pursuit of knowledge is often subordinated to the pursuit of personal gain.
The Structure of With Tenure
"With Tenure" is a free-verse poem that is divided into three stanzas, each with a different tone and mood. The first stanza is a description of the academic world, the second stanza is a portrayal of the academic's life after tenure, and the third stanza is a reflection on the meaning of tenure.
The first stanza is a vivid description of the academic world, with its "arcane disciplines," "esoteric jargon," and "inbred rituals." The poet paints a picture of academia as a world of its own, with its own rules and customs, and where the pursuit of knowledge is often hindered by the narrow-mindedness of academics.
The second stanza is a contrast to the first, and it portrays the life of an academic after tenure. The tone is more ironic, and the poet uses humor to depict the absurdity of the academic's life after tenure. The academic is portrayed as having lost touch with the real world, with his or her mind focused solely on research and publication.
The third stanza is a reflection on the meaning of tenure, and it is more philosophical in tone. The poet questions the value of tenure and the role it plays in the academic world. The poem ends on a note of uncertainty, with the poet questioning the purpose of tenure and the value of the academic world.
Analysis of With Tenure
Lehman's poem is a critique of the academic world, and he uses various literary techniques to convey his message. The poet uses humor, irony, and sarcasm to expose the flaws and contradictions of academia. The poem is a commentary on the corruption of the academic world, where tenure is often granted not for academic achievement but for political connections, and where the pursuit of knowledge is often subordinated to the pursuit of personal gain.
In the first stanza, the poet uses vivid imagery and metaphor to describe the academic world. The metaphor of the "ivory tower" is used to depict the academic world as a place of privilege and exclusivity. The "arcane disciplines" and "esoteric jargon" are used to emphasize the narrow-mindedness of academics and the limitations of their knowledge. The "inbred rituals" are used to portray the academic world as a closed society where new ideas are often unwelcome.
In the second stanza, the poet uses irony and humor to depict the life of an academic after tenure. The academic is portrayed as having lost touch with the real world and being obsessed with research and publication. The poet uses the image of the academic's "withered soul" to convey the idea that the pursuit of knowledge has come at the cost of personal fulfillment.
In the third stanza, the poet questions the value of tenure and the role it plays in the academic world. The poem ends on a note of uncertainty, with the poet questioning the purpose of tenure and the value of the academic world. The poet's use of rhetorical questions underscores the ambiguity of the poem's message.
Conclusion
"With Tenure" is a brilliant piece of poetry that exposes the flaws and contradictions of academia. The poem is a critique of the academic world, and Lehman uses his wit and humor to convey his message. The poem is a commentary on the corruption of the academic world, where tenure is often granted not for academic achievement but for political connections, and where the pursuit of knowledge is often subordinated to the pursuit of personal gain.
The poem is a cautionary tale that warns us about the dangers of academic elitism and the need for intellectual humility. The poem challenges us to question the value of tenure and the role it plays in the academic world. The poem is a reminder that the pursuit of knowledge should not be an end in itself but should be grounded in a deeper sense of purpose and meaning. With Tenure is a must-read for anyone interested in the complexities of academic life and the challenges faced by those who pursue a career in academia.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
With Tenure: A Poem of Academic Success
David Lehman's "With Tenure" is a poem that celebrates the achievement of academic success. The poem is a tribute to the hard work and dedication that goes into earning tenure, a coveted position in academia that provides job security and recognition for one's contributions to the field. Through vivid imagery and a playful tone, Lehman captures the joy and satisfaction that comes with achieving this milestone.
The poem begins with a description of the "famous office" that comes with tenure. The speaker describes the room as "spacious" and "well-lit," with a "view of the campus" and "bookshelves filled with books." This image sets the stage for the rest of the poem, which is a celebration of the rewards that come with academic success. The speaker goes on to describe the "leather chair" and "mahogany desk" that are part of the office, suggesting that these are symbols of the prestige that comes with tenure.
Lehman's use of imagery is particularly effective in conveying the sense of accomplishment that comes with earning tenure. The speaker describes the "brass nameplate" on the door of the office, which bears the name of the newly tenured professor. This detail suggests that the achievement of tenure is a public recognition of one's accomplishments, and that it is something to be proud of. The speaker also describes the "framed diplomas" on the wall, which serve as a reminder of the hard work and dedication that went into earning the position.
The poem also captures the sense of relief that comes with achieving tenure. The speaker describes the "sense of ease" that comes with knowing that one's job is secure, and that there is no longer a need to worry about the future. This sense of security is further emphasized by the speaker's description of the "retirement plan" that comes with tenure, which provides a sense of financial stability as well.
Lehman's use of language is also noteworthy in this poem. The speaker's tone is playful and lighthearted, suggesting that the achievement of tenure is something to be celebrated and enjoyed. The use of alliteration in the phrase "brass nameplate" and the repetition of the word "with" in the phrase "with tenure" also serve to emphasize the importance of this achievement.
The poem also touches on the idea of legacy and the impact that one's work can have on future generations. The speaker describes the "students who will study" in the newly tenured professor's office, suggesting that the work that is done in this space will have a lasting impact on the field of study. This idea is further emphasized by the speaker's description of the "bookshelves filled with books," which suggests that the newly tenured professor has contributed to the body of knowledge in the field.
Overall, "With Tenure" is a poem that celebrates the achievement of academic success. Through vivid imagery and a playful tone, Lehman captures the sense of accomplishment and relief that comes with earning tenure. The poem also touches on the idea of legacy and the impact that one's work can have on future generations. For anyone who has achieved tenure, or who is working towards this goal, this poem serves as a reminder of the rewards that come with hard work and dedication.
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