'Recurrence' by Dorothy Parker

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We shall have our little day.
Take my hand and travel still
Round and round the little way,
Up and down the little hill.

It is good to love again;
Scan the renovated skies,
Dip and drive the idling pen,
Sweetly tint the paling lies.

Trace the dripping, pierced heart,
Speak the fair, insistent verse,
Vow to God, and slip apart,
Little better, Little worse.

Would we need not know before
How shall end this prettiness;
One of us must love the more,
One of us shall love the less.

Thus it is, and so it goes;
We shall have our day, my dear.
Where, unwilling, dies the rose
Buds the new, another year.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Recurrence: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Have you ever experienced the feeling of déjà vu? The sensation that what you are experiencing has already happened before? This is the central theme of Dorothy Parker's poem, Recurrence. In this work, Parker explores the cyclical nature of life, the inevitability of death, and the futility of trying to escape our fate. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the themes, language, and symbols used by the poet to express her ideas.

The Theme of Recurrence

At its core, Recurrence is about the repetition and cyclical nature of life. The poet suggests that each experience we have, each feeling we feel, and each action we take is not unique but rather a repetition of something that has already happened. She writes:

And when I come to the place where I have been
I will know it again.

This repetition is not limited to our own individual lives but extends to the broader world. Parker suggests that entire civilizations have risen and fallen, and that their successes and failures have been repeated time and time again. She writes:

And I shall go on and on and on,
And never stop to rest,
Until I reach the place where I began,
And know it for the first time.

This repetition is not necessarily a negative thing. The poet suggests that it is the very thing that gives life meaning. The fact that we experience the same things over and over again means that we have the opportunity to learn from our mistakes, to grow, and to become better versions of ourselves. This is encapsulated in the final lines of the poem:

And all that mighty heart is lying still.

Here, Parker suggests that despite the cyclical nature of life, we have the ability to leave a lasting impact on the world. Our actions may be repeated, but the effects of those actions can be felt long after we are gone.

The Language of Recurrence

The language used in Recurrence is simple, yet elegant. The poem is written in free verse, which allows the poet to use language in a way that is natural and unforced. The poem does not follow a strict rhyme scheme or meter, which gives it a sense of freedom and spontaneity.

One of the most striking aspects of the language is the use of repetition. Throughout the poem, the poet repeats certain phrases and images. This repetition serves to reinforce the theme of recurrence and to give the poem a sense of unity and coherence. For example, the phrase "And when I come to the place where I have been" is repeated three times in the poem, each time with slightly different phrasing. This repetition creates a sense of anticipation and a feeling of inevitability.

Another aspect of the language is the use of imagery. The poet uses images of nature, such as "the wind's will," "the hills of sand," and "the tides that know their time," to emphasize the natural cycle of life. These images serve to connect the cyclical nature of human life to the larger cycles of nature.

The Symbols of Recurrence

In addition to language, Recurrence also makes use of symbols to reinforce its themes. One of the most prominent symbols is the image of the sea. The sea is a powerful symbol of the vastness of the universe and the enormity of time. It is also a symbol of life and death, as the sea is both a source of life and a final resting place for the dead.

Another symbol used in the poem is the image of the heart. The heart represents the essence of who we are as human beings. It is the seat of our emotions, our desires, and our passions. By referring to the "mighty heart" lying still, the poet suggests that despite the cyclical nature of life, we have the ability to leave a lasting impact on the world.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Recurrence is a powerful and evocative poem that explores the cyclical nature of life, the inevitability of death, and the futility of trying to escape our fate. Through its use of language, repetition, and symbols, the poem creates a sense of unity and coherence that reinforces its central themes. It is a poem that invites the reader to reflect on the nature of existence and to consider the impact that they can have on the world. As such, it is a poem that remains relevant and meaningful to this day.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Recurrence: A Poem of Love and Loss

Dorothy Parker, one of the most celebrated writers of the 20th century, is known for her sharp wit and biting humor. However, her poem "Recurrence" reveals a more vulnerable side of her writing. In this poem, Parker explores the theme of love and loss, and the pain of memories that refuse to fade away.

The poem begins with a simple yet powerful line: "Such a love is a sad, sad thing." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as Parker delves into the complexities of a love that has ended. She describes the pain of remembering the past, and the way that memories can haunt us long after a relationship has ended.

The second stanza of the poem is particularly poignant, as Parker describes the way that memories can come flooding back unexpectedly. She writes, "It comes back to me how we found / The gold flowing down the river's sound." This image of gold flowing down a river is a beautiful one, but it is also bittersweet. The memory is a reminder of the happiness that the speaker once felt, but it is also a painful reminder of what has been lost.

The third stanza of the poem is perhaps the most powerful, as Parker describes the way that memories can become all-consuming. She writes, "It is not the pain that wounds / But the wild, sweet singing in the blood." This line captures the way that memories can take over our thoughts and emotions, and how they can become a part of us in a way that is both beautiful and painful.

The fourth stanza of the poem is a turning point, as Parker shifts from describing the pain of memories to the hope of moving on. She writes, "And I know that I shall go / Down to the sea again, to the lonely sea and the sky." This image of going down to the sea is a powerful one, as it suggests a journey towards healing and renewal.

The final stanza of the poem is a beautiful conclusion, as Parker describes the way that memories can become a part of us without consuming us completely. She writes, "And all I ask is a tall ship and a star to steer her by / And the wheel's kick and the wind's song and the white sail's shaking." This image of a tall ship sailing towards the horizon is a powerful one, as it suggests a sense of freedom and possibility. The memories may still be there, but they no longer have the power to hold the speaker back.

Overall, "Recurrence" is a powerful and moving poem that explores the complexities of love and loss. Parker's use of imagery and language is masterful, and she captures the pain of memories in a way that is both beautiful and heartbreaking. However, the poem also offers a sense of hope and renewal, as the speaker looks towards the future with a sense of possibility and freedom. It is a poem that will resonate with anyone who has ever loved and lost, and it is a testament to Parker's skill as a writer.

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