'I Want To Die In My Own Bed' by Yehuda Amichai
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All night the army came up from Gilgal
To get to the killing field, and that's all.
In the ground, warf and woof, lay the dead.
I want to die in My own bed.
Like slits in a tank, their eyes were uncanny,
I'm always the few and they are the many.
I must answer. They can interrogate My head.
But I want to die in My own bed.
The sun stood still in Gibeon. Forever so, it's willing
to illuminate those waging battle and killing.
I may not see My wife when her blood is shed,
But I want to die in My own bed.
Samson, his strength in his long black hair,
My hair they sheared when they made me a hero
Perforce, and taught me to charge ahead.
I want to die in My own bed.
I saw you could live and furnish with grace
Even a lion's den, if you've no other place.
I don't even mind to die alone, to be dead,
But I want to die in My own bed.
Translated from the Hebrew by Barbara and Benjamin Harshav
Editor 1 Interpretation
A Critical Analysis of Yehuda Amichai's "I Want to Die in My Own Bed"
When it comes to poetry, the name Yehuda Amichai is one that is synonymous with the beauty of the written word. His poems are known for their simplicity, yet their ability to move readers in ways that are often indescribable. One of his most famous poems, "I Want to Die in My Own Bed," is a prime example of his mastery of the craft.
In this literary analysis, we will examine Amichai's poem in detail, looking at its themes, language, and imagery to gain a deeper understanding of its meaning and significance.
The Poem
Before we dive into the analysis, let us first take a look at the poem itself:
I want to die in my own bed
under the fan’s slow shadow
and the window open with a breeze
from the morning and the evening.
I want to die in my own bed
with the clean sheets and the clean blankets
and the clean pillows.
I want to die in my own bed
with my wife beside me
and her hand on me
and the sun and the moon and the stars nearby.
I want to die in my own bed
with my books and my papers
and my pens and my typewriter nearby.
I want to die in my own bed
with the pictures of my parents
and my brothers and sisters
and my friends all around.
I want to die in my own bed
slowly, like a ripe fruit
and never to be picked at last.
At first glance, the poem seems quite simple in its structure and language. However, a closer look reveals that there is much more going on beneath the surface.
Themes
One of the most obvious themes in the poem is the desire for comfort and familiarity. Throughout the poem, the speaker expresses a longing to be surrounded by the things and people he knows and loves in his final moments. This desire for comfort is understandable, as death is often seen as something foreign and frightening.
Another theme that emerges from the poem is the idea of mortality. The speaker acknowledges that death is inevitable, but he also expresses a desire for it to come in a particular way – peacefully, and surrounded by the things he loves. This theme is particularly poignant, as it reminds us that death is not just an abstract idea, but a very real and inevitable part of life.
Finally, the poem touches on the idea of legacy. The speaker expresses a desire to die slowly, like a ripe fruit, and never to be picked at last. This can be interpreted as a desire to leave a lasting impact on the world, to be remembered long after he is gone. This theme is particularly relevant in today's world, where many people seek to leave a mark on the world through their work, their art, or their activism.
Language and Imagery
While the themes of the poem are significant, it is the language and imagery that truly make it a masterpiece. Amichai's use of language is simple and straightforward, but his choice of words is carefully selected to create a vivid and powerful picture in the reader's mind.
For example, the repetition of the phrase "I want to die in my own bed" creates a sense of familiarity and comfort, while the use of the word "clean" to describe the sheets, blankets, and pillows emphasizes the idea of purity and peace.
Similarly, the imagery in the poem is both beautiful and poignant. The image of the fan's slow shadow and the breeze from the morning and evening creates a sense of calm and tranquility, while the mention of the sun, moon, and stars nearby adds a sense of awe and wonder.
The image of the speaker's wife with her hand on him is particularly moving, as it creates a sense of intimacy and connection in the face of death. The mention of the speaker's books, papers, pens, and typewriter nearby also adds a sense of legacy, as if the speaker is trying to capture all the things he has accomplished in his life before he passes on.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Yehuda Amichai's "I Want to Die in My Own Bed" is a beautiful and powerful poem that explores themes of comfort, mortality, and legacy. The simplicity of the language and imagery belies the complexity of the emotions and ideas that Amichai is trying to convey.
Through his careful choice of words and imagery, Amichai creates a vivid and poignant picture of what it means to face death with grace and dignity. This poem is a testament to the power of poetry to move and inspire us, and it will undoubtedly continue to do so for generations to come.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
I Want To Die In My Own Bed: A Poem of Life and Death
Yehuda Amichai, one of Israel's most celebrated poets, wrote the poem "I Want To Die In My Own Bed" in 1963. It is a powerful and poignant reflection on life, death, and the desire for a peaceful end. The poem is a testament to the human desire for control over one's own life and death, and the importance of finding comfort and solace in the familiar.
The poem begins with the speaker expressing a desire to die in his own bed, surrounded by the familiar sights and sounds of his home. He longs for the comfort of his own bed, the warmth of his own blankets, and the familiarity of his own room. The speaker's desire for a peaceful end is palpable, and it is clear that he has given much thought to the circumstances of his death.
The second stanza of the poem is a reflection on the nature of death itself. The speaker acknowledges that death is a natural part of life, and that it is something that we all must face eventually. However, he also expresses a desire to die on his own terms, rather than being at the mercy of fate or circumstance. He wants to be in control of his own destiny, even in death.
The third stanza of the poem is a reflection on the importance of family and loved ones in the face of death. The speaker acknowledges that death can be a lonely and isolating experience, but he also recognizes the importance of having loved ones around him in his final moments. He wants to be surrounded by the people he loves, and he wants to be able to say goodbye to them properly.
The fourth stanza of the poem is a reflection on the importance of memory and legacy. The speaker acknowledges that he will not be able to take anything with him when he dies, but he also recognizes the importance of leaving behind a legacy. He wants to be remembered for the person he was, and for the things he accomplished in his life.
The final stanza of the poem is a reflection on the fleeting nature of life itself. The speaker acknowledges that life is short, and that we must make the most of the time we have. He wants to live his life to the fullest, and to make the most of every moment.
Overall, "I Want To Die In My Own Bed" is a powerful and moving reflection on life, death, and the human desire for control and comfort. The poem is a testament to the importance of family, memory, and legacy, and it is a reminder to live our lives to the fullest, while we still can.
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