'The House Of Dust: Part 02: 03: Interlude' by Conrad Aiken
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The warm sun dreams in the dust, the warm sun falls
On bright red roofs and walls;
The trees in the park exhale a ghost of rain;
We go from door to door in the streets again,
Talking, laughing, dreaming, turning our faces,
Recalling other times and places . . .
We crowd, not knowing why, around a gate,
We crowd together and wait,
A stretcher is carried out, voices are stilled,
The ambulance drives away.
We watch its roof flash by, hear someone say
'A man fell off the building and was killed—
Fell right into a barrel . . .' We turn again
Among the frightened eyes of white-faced men,
And go our separate ways, each bearing with him
A thing he tries, but vainly, to forget,—
A sickened crowd, a stretcher red and wet.
A hurdy-gurdy sings in the crowded street,
The golden notes skip over the sunlit stones,
Wings are upon our feet.
The sun seems warmer, the winding street more bright,
Sparrows come whirring down in a cloud of light.
We bear our dreams among us, bear them all,
Like hurdy-gurdy music they rise and fall,
Climb to beauty and die.
The wandering lover dreams of his lover's mouth,
And smiles at the hostile sky.
The broker smokes his pipe, and sees a fortune.
The murderer hears a cry.
Editor 1 Interpretation
The House Of Dust: Part 02: 03: Interlude - A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Are you looking for a poem that will take you on a journey through the depths of the human psyche? Look no further than Conrad Aiken's "The House of Dust: Part 02: 03: Interlude."
This poem, nestled among a series of interconnected poems in Aiken's larger work, explores the inner workings of the mind through the imagery of a house. Within this house, we see the various rooms as representations of different aspects of the human psyche.
In this particular interlude, Aiken takes a moment to pause and reflect on the journey thus far. He speaks directly to the reader, acknowledging the confusion and complexity that may have arisen from the previous poems.
He begins by stating, "The shadowy hands of the moon / Stretch over the roofs and wagons." This initial image sets the tone for the rest of the poem - one of darkness, confusion, and uncertainty. Aiken continues, "The stars are blue, the night is still, / The sun will not rise soon." Here, we see a sense of stasis - a moment in time where everything is suspended, waiting for the dawn to come.
It is within this moment of stillness that Aiken invites the reader to reflect on the journey thus far. He poses a series of questions that force the reader to consider the complexities of the human psyche.
He asks, "What have you found in the House of Dust?" This question serves as a reminder of the overarching theme of the series - the exploration of the human psyche.
He continues, "What have you found in the House of Thought?" Here, we see a shift towards the more abstract - the mind itself, rather than the physical rooms of the house.
Aiken then asks, "Were they the ghosts of dead loves - or dreams - or hopes?" This question brings up the idea of loss and the way in which past experiences can haunt us.
He follows up with, "What was it brought you here?" This question serves as a reminder that the journey through the house is a personal one, unique to each individual reader.
Finally, Aiken asks, "What would you find - if you dared to look - / Behind the curtain?" This question is perhaps the most poignant of all, as it asks the reader to confront the unknown and potentially unsettling aspects of their own psyche.
Throughout the interlude, Aiken uses imagery and language to create a sense of unease and uncertainty. He speaks of "shadowy hands," "blue stars," and "long-drawn echoes." These images create an almost dreamlike quality to the poem, as if the reader is being transported to another realm entirely.
In terms of structure, the poem is written in free verse, with no strict rhyme or meter. This allows Aiken to play with the language and create a sense of fluidity and movement.
Overall, "The House of Dust: Part 02: 03: Interlude" serves as a crucial moment of reflection within the larger series. It invites the reader to consider the complexities of the human psyche and the potential for both beauty and darkness within it. Aiken's use of language and imagery creates a haunting atmosphere that lingers long after the poem is finished. So, what are you waiting for? Enter the House of Dust and see what secrets lie within.
Word Count: 554
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The House of Dust: Part 02: 03: Interlude by Conrad Aiken is a classic poem that captures the essence of human emotions and the complexities of life. This poem is a part of the larger work, The House of Dust, which is a collection of poems that explore the themes of love, loss, and the passage of time. In this article, we will delve into the intricacies of this particular poem and analyze its meaning and significance.
The House of Dust: Part 02: 03: Interlude is a short poem that consists of only six lines. However, despite its brevity, the poem manages to convey a powerful message that resonates with readers. The poem begins with the line, "The warm sun dreams in the dust, the warm sun falls." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem and establishes the imagery of the warm sun and the dust.
The second line of the poem reads, "Softly the hours are passing, and the light fades." This line introduces the concept of time and how it passes by slowly and softly. The use of the word "softly" creates a sense of tranquility and calmness, which is juxtaposed with the fading light. This contrast between the passing of time and the fading light creates a sense of melancholy and nostalgia.
The third line of the poem reads, "And in the silence of the sky, the doves call." This line introduces the imagery of the sky and the doves. The use of the word "silence" creates a sense of stillness and peace, which is interrupted by the doves' call. The doves' call is a symbol of hope and renewal, which is juxtaposed with the passing of time and the fading light.
The fourth line of the poem reads, "From the distant roofs, come the voices of children." This line introduces the imagery of the distant roofs and the voices of children. The use of the word "distant" creates a sense of separation and distance, which is juxtaposed with the closeness of the warm sun and the dust. The voices of children are a symbol of innocence and joy, which is juxtaposed with the passing of time and the fading light.
The fifth line of the poem reads, "And in the streets, the sounds of the footsteps of the dead." This line introduces the concept of death and how it is a part of life. The use of the word "dead" creates a sense of finality and inevitability, which is juxtaposed with the innocence and joy of the children's voices. The sounds of the footsteps of the dead are a symbol of the passage of time and the inevitability of death.
The final line of the poem reads, "And all the trees are filled with the ghosts of birds." This line introduces the imagery of the trees and the ghosts of birds. The use of the word "ghosts" creates a sense of haunting and sadness, which is juxtaposed with the warmth of the sun and the dust. The ghosts of birds are a symbol of the passage of time and the inevitability of death.
In conclusion, The House of Dust: Part 02: 03: Interlude by Conrad Aiken is a powerful poem that captures the essence of human emotions and the complexities of life. The poem uses imagery and symbolism to convey a message of hope, renewal, and the inevitability of death. The poem's brevity and simplicity make it accessible to readers of all ages and backgrounds, and its message is timeless and universal. This poem is a testament to the power of poetry and its ability to capture the human experience in all its beauty and complexity.
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