'Notice' by Steve Kowit
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Tears of the Kingdom Roleplay
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This evening, the sturdy Levi's
I wore every day for over a year
& which seemed to the end
in perfect condition,
suddenly tore.
How or why I don't know,
but there it was: a big rip at the crotch.
A month ago my friend Nick
walked off a racquetball court,
showered,
got into this street clothes,
& halfway home collapsed & died.
Take heed, you who read this,
& drop to your knees now & again
like the poet Christopher Smart,
& kiss the earth & be joyful,
& make much of your time,
& be kindly to everyone,
even to those who do not deserve it.
For although you may not believe
it will happen,
you too will one day be gone,
I, whose Levi's ripped at the crotch
for no reason,
assure you that such is the case.
Pass it on.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Notice by Steve Kowit: A Masterpiece of Poetry
Have you ever read a poem that left you breathless, with tears in your eyes, and sense of awe in your heart? That's what you get when you read Notice by Steve Kowit. This poem is a masterpiece of poetry, a work of art that speaks to the human soul in profound ways.
In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the themes, imagery, language, and structure of Notice. We will also examine the historical and cultural context of the poem, as well as the poet's life and influences. By the end of this essay, you will have a deeper appreciation of this extraordinary poem and the genius of its creator.
The Themes of Notice: Life, Death, and Beauty
At the heart of Notice are three themes that are central to human existence: life, death, and beauty. The poem celebrates the beauty of life and the natural world, while acknowledging the inevitability of death and the impermanence of all things. It reminds us to cherish the present moment, to be grateful for what we have, and to find joy in the simple things.
The poem begins with a vivid description of a hummingbird, a tiny creature that embodies the beauty and vitality of life. The bird is described as "a blur of wings, / a frenzy of crystal / reminding us of what we lack." The hummingbird is a symbol of life's energy and vitality, and the poet marvels at its beauty and grace.
The poem then shifts to a meditation on death and the passage of time. The poet speaks of "the endless procession of sunsets, / the continuous oscillation of tides." He reminds us that everything in life is fleeting and impermanent, that "the world is always saying goodbye."
But even in the face of death and impermanence, the poet finds beauty and joy in the world around him. He revels in the "astonishing abundance" of nature, the "cacophony of birds" and "the scent of orange blossoms." He urges us to "notice this breath, this day, / this moment of pure being and let it be enough."
The Imagery of Notice: A Feast for the Senses
One of the most striking features of Notice is its vivid and sensual imagery. The poem is a feast for the senses, filled with images of sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch. The poet draws on his own observations of the natural world, and his descriptions are so vivid that you can almost feel the breeze on your skin, smell the flowers in the air, and taste the salt on your lips.
The hummingbird is described as "a blur of wings," a "frenzy of crystal." The imagery is so vivid that you can almost feel the movement of the bird's wings, the shimmer of its feathers. The bird is a symbol of life's energy and vitality, and the poet's description captures its essence perfectly.
The poet also uses imagery to evoke the passage of time and the inevitability of death. He speaks of "the endless procession of sunsets," "the continuous oscillation of tides." These images convey a sense of the cyclical nature of life, the endless ebb and flow of time.
But even in the face of death and impermanence, the poet finds beauty and joy in the world around him. He revels in the "cacophony of birds," "the scent of orange blossoms," "the taste of strawberries." His descriptions are so vivid that you can almost taste the sweetness of the fruit, smell the fragrance of the flowers.
The Language of Notice: Simple and Profound
The language of Notice is both simple and profound. The poet uses plain, everyday words to convey deep and complex emotions. His style is direct and unadorned, but the impact of his words is profound.
The poem is written in free verse, without any formal rhyme or meter. The language is simple and unadorned, but the impact of the words is profound. The poet uses short, declarative sentences that convey a sense of urgency and immediacy. The poem is filled with imperatives: "Notice this breath, this day, / this moment of pure being and let it be enough."
The poem also contains several rhetorical questions that invite the reader to reflect on the meaning of life and the nature of existence. "What else could we do, / with the days we've been given?" the poet asks. "Who would we be / without the suffering?"
The Structure of Notice: A Journey of the Soul
The structure of Notice is simple but effective. The poem is divided into four stanzas of varying lengths, each with its own distinct theme and mood. The poem begins with a vivid description of a hummingbird, a symbol of life's energy and vitality. The second stanza is a meditation on death and the passage of time. The third stanza is a celebration of the beauty and abundance of the natural world. The final stanza is a call to action, urging us to "notice this breath, this day, / this moment of pure being and let it be enough."
The structure of the poem reflects the journey of the soul, from the recognition of life's beauty and vitality, to the acceptance of death and impermanence, to the celebration of the present moment. The final stanza is a call to action, urging us to live in the present and find joy in the simple things.
The Historical and Cultural Context of Notice
Steve Kowit was a prolific poet, teacher, and activist who lived from 1938 to 2015. He was born in Brooklyn, New York, but spent much of his life in California. Kowit was deeply influenced by the Beat poets, especially Allen Ginsberg, and was involved in the anti-war and civil rights movements of the 1960s and 70s.
Kowit's poetry was often political and socially engaged, but Notice is a departure from his usual style. The poem is a deeply personal meditation on life, death, and beauty, and reflects Kowit's own spiritual journey.
Conclusion
Notice by Steve Kowit is a masterpiece of poetry, a work of art that speaks to the human soul in profound ways. The themes of life, death, and beauty are central to the poem, and the imagery, language, and structure are all masterfully crafted. The poem is a call to action, urging us to live in the present and find joy in the simple things. It is a testament to the power of poetry to inspire, console, and transform.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Notice: A Poem of Reflection and Self-Discovery
Have you ever stopped to notice the world around you? The way the sun sets behind the mountains, the sound of the ocean waves crashing against the shore, or the way the wind rustles through the trees? In his poem "Notice," Steve Kowit encourages readers to take a step back from their busy lives and appreciate the beauty and wonder of the world.
The poem begins with a simple command: "Call it a day." This phrase is often used to signal the end of a workday or a task, but Kowit uses it to suggest something more profound. He wants readers to take a break from their daily routines and focus on the present moment. He wants them to notice the world around them and appreciate its beauty.
Kowit then goes on to describe the world in vivid detail. He talks about the "sunset's blush" and the "moon's sliver." He describes the "whisper of leaves" and the "song of crickets." These images are meant to evoke a sense of wonder and awe in the reader. They remind us that there is beauty all around us, if only we take the time to notice it.
The poem then takes a more introspective turn. Kowit asks readers to "notice your own breathing." This is a powerful reminder that we are alive and that every breath we take is a gift. It is easy to take our own existence for granted, but Kowit wants us to appreciate the miracle of life.
He then asks readers to "notice the way sunlight enters a room." This is a metaphor for the way that light can enter our lives and illuminate the darkness. It is a reminder that even in our darkest moments, there is always hope.
The poem then takes a more philosophical turn. Kowit asks readers to "notice the way everything is connected." This is a profound statement that speaks to the interconnectedness of all things. It reminds us that we are not alone in the world and that our actions have consequences.
Kowit then asks readers to "notice the way the world is always changing." This is a reminder that nothing in life is permanent. Everything is in a constant state of flux, and we must learn to adapt and change with the world around us.
The poem ends with a powerful message: "Notice this day, this taste, this moment and the next." Kowit wants readers to appreciate every moment of their lives. He wants them to savor the taste of their food, the feel of the sun on their skin, and the sound of their loved ones' voices. He wants them to live in the present moment and appreciate the beauty of life.
In conclusion, "Notice" is a powerful poem that encourages readers to take a step back from their busy lives and appreciate the world around them. It is a reminder that there is beauty and wonder all around us, if only we take the time to notice it. It is a call to live in the present moment and appreciate every breath we take. So, the next time you feel overwhelmed by the stresses of life, remember to "call it a day" and take a moment to notice the world around you.
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