'Before' by Yehuda Amichai
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Before the gate has been closed,
before the last quetion is posed,
before I am transposed.
Before the weeds fill the gardens,
before there are no pardons,
before the concrete hardens.
Before all the flute-holes are covered,
beore things are locked in then cupboard,
before the rules are discovered.
Before the conclusion is planned,
before God closes his hand,
before we have nowhere to stand.
Translated by Chana Bloch And Stephen Mitchell
Submitted by Angelica Rodriguez
Editor 1 Interpretation
"Before" by Yehuda Amichai
Have you ever read a poem that makes you feel like you're walking through someone else's memories? A poem that puts you in the shoes of the writer and takes you on a journey through their past? "Before" by Yehuda Amichai is one such poem. It's a beautifully written piece that explores the themes of time, memory, love, and loss.
Overview
"Before" is a short poem, consisting of only ten lines. But don't let its brevity fool you. This poem is packed with emotion and meaning. It begins with the speaker reminiscing about a time before they met their lover. They remember how the world used to look, how they used to feel, and how time used to pass. The poem then shifts to the present, where the speaker is with their lover, and they reflect on how everything has changed since they met. The final line of the poem is particularly poignant, as it acknowledges the inevitability of time moving forward and the impermanence of all things.
Analysis
One of the most striking things about "Before" is how effectively Amichai uses imagery to convey the passage of time. In the first three lines, he paints a picture of a world that is vastly different from the present:
Before time and space were created,
we already existed.
The use of the word "before" immediately sets the tone for the poem. It suggests that the speaker is looking back to a time that is long gone, a time that they can never return to. The line "we already existed" is interesting, as it implies that the speaker and their lover have always been connected, even before they met. It's a romantic notion, but it's also a reminder that time is relative. In the grand scheme of things, our lives are short and insignificant, but the connections we make with others can transcend time and space.
The next few lines describe the world as it used to be:
We lived in villages and towns,
behind stone walls
and wooden gates.
The use of the word "lived" is important here. It suggests that the speaker is looking back on a time that has passed, a time that they can never return to. The mention of "stone walls" and "wooden gates" adds to the sense of nostalgia, as these are things that are not commonly found in modern society. The speaker is painting a picture of a simpler time, a time before the hustle and bustle of modern life.
The poem then shifts to the present, where the speaker is with their lover:
And when the two of us
met,
every spring exploded
in flowers.
The use of the word "exploded" is particularly effective here. It suggests that the speaker's love for their partner is so intense that it cannot be contained. It's a beautiful image, and it reinforces the idea that the speaker's connection with their partner is something special.
The final two lines of the poem are perhaps the most poignant:
And every night we sleep
together
in the middle of the bed,
with one leg over each side.
The use of the word "together" is significant here. It suggests that the speaker and their partner are united, even in their sleep. The final line, "with one leg over each side," is a powerful image. It suggests that while the speaker and their partner are together now, they are still separate individuals. It's a reminder that even the closest relationships are impermanent, and that time will eventually separate us all.
Interpretation
"Before" is a poem that explores the passage of time and the impermanence of all things. It's a bittersweet reflection on the nature of love and loss. The poem begins with the speaker looking back on a time before they met their lover. They remember how the world used to look, how they used to feel, and how time used to pass. This is a poignant reminder that time waits for no one, and that the world is constantly changing.
The poem then shifts to the present, where the speaker is with their lover. They reflect on how everything has changed since they met. This is a reminder that even the most intense relationships are impermanent, and that time will eventually separate us all. The final line of the poem, "with one leg over each side," is particularly powerful. It suggests that while the speaker and their lover are united, they are still separate individuals. It's a reminder that even in the closest relationships, we are ultimately alone.
Overall, "Before" is a beautifully written poem that explores the themes of time, memory, love, and loss. It's a poignant reflection on the nature of life and the impermanence of all things. If you haven't read it yet, I highly recommend giving it a read. It's a masterpiece of modern poetry, and it's sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who reads it.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Before by Yehuda Amichai: A Poem of Love and Loss
Yehuda Amichai, one of Israel's most celebrated poets, wrote a poem titled "Before" that captures the essence of love and loss. The poem is a beautiful and poignant reflection on the fleeting nature of life and the inevitability of change. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, imagery, and language used in the poem to understand its deeper meaning.
The poem begins with the line, "Before the beginning of years." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as it suggests that the events described in the poem took place before time itself. The speaker then goes on to describe a time when he and his lover were together, "before the first death." This line is significant because it suggests that the speaker and his lover were together before any kind of loss or separation occurred.
The poem then takes a turn as the speaker describes the changes that have taken place since that time. He says, "Before the first love and the first betrayal." This line suggests that the speaker and his lover have experienced both love and betrayal, and that these experiences have changed them in some way. The use of the word "betrayal" is particularly powerful, as it suggests that the speaker and his lover have been hurt by someone they trusted.
The poem then moves on to describe the physical changes that have taken place since the speaker and his lover were together. He says, "Before the first fields were named." This line suggests that the landscape has changed since the speaker and his lover were together. The use of the word "named" is significant, as it suggests that the speaker and his lover were there before the land was even identified or recognized.
The poem then takes a more personal turn as the speaker describes the changes that have taken place within himself. He says, "Before the first dream went sour." This line suggests that the speaker has experienced disappointment or disillusionment in his life. The use of the word "sour" is particularly powerful, as it suggests that the speaker's dreams have turned bitter or unpleasant.
The poem then returns to the theme of love and loss as the speaker describes the end of his relationship with his lover. He says, "Before the last kiss." This line suggests that the speaker and his lover have parted ways, and that their last kiss was a significant moment in their relationship. The use of the word "last" is particularly powerful, as it suggests that the speaker and his lover will never kiss again.
The poem then ends with the line, "Before the beginning." This line is significant because it suggests that the events described in the poem have come full circle. The speaker has described a time before time itself, and now he has returned to that same point. The use of the word "beginning" is also significant, as it suggests that the speaker is ready to start anew.
Overall, "Before" is a beautiful and poignant reflection on the fleeting nature of life and the inevitability of change. The poem explores themes of love and loss, and uses powerful imagery and language to convey its message. Yehuda Amichai's skillful use of language and imagery makes "Before" a timeless poem that will continue to resonate with readers for generations to come.
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