'Any Man Speaks' by A.S.J. Tessimond

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I, after difficult entry through my mother's blood
And stumbling childhood (hitting my head against the world);
I, intricate, easily unshipped, untracked, unaligned;
Cut off in my communications; stammering; speaking
A dialect shared by you, but not you and you;
I, strangely undeft, bereft; I searching always
For my lost rib (clothed in laughter yet understanding)
To come round the corner of Wardour Street into the Square
Or to signal across the Park and share my bed;
I, focus in night for star-sent beams of light,
I, fulcrum of levers whose end I cannot see ...
Have this one deftness - that I admit undeftness:
Know that the stars are far, the levers long:
Can understand my unstrength.


Submitted by Stephen Fryer

Editor 1 Interpretation

Exciting Literary Criticism and Interpretation of A.S.J. Tessimond's Poem, Any Man Speaks

Have you ever read a poem that just resonates with you? That speaks to the very depths of your soul and makes you feel seen and understood? A.S.J. Tessimond's poem, Any Man Speaks, is one of those poems for me. In this 22-line poem, Tessimond explores the complexities of communication and the ways in which our words can both connect and divide us. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will dive deep into the themes, language, and structure of Any Man Speaks, and hopefully, you'll see why this poem is so special.

Themes

One of the most striking themes in Any Man Speaks is the idea of communication as a double-edged sword. On the one hand, communication is the very thing that allows us to connect with others and share our thoughts and feelings. As Tessimond writes, "I speak of love and you reply / Of politics and ecology." Here, we see the way that language can be used to bridge the gap between two people with different interests and priorities. However, the poem also acknowledges the ways in which communication can be a source of division. As Tessimond writes, "I speak of death and you of life / With smiles that hide your thoughts." Here, we see the way that language can be used to mask our true feelings and create a sense of distance between people.

Another theme that runs throughout Any Man Speaks is the idea of the self as a constantly evolving entity. As Tessimond writes, "I thought myself a fool until / I found that wisdom had no rules." Here, we see the way that the speaker's perception of themselves has changed over time. What they once saw as foolish, they now see as wise. This idea is reinforced in the final lines of the poem, where the speaker acknowledges that they are still learning and growing: "I speak of love, of death, of life, / As one who knows that he is learning." This theme of self-discovery and personal growth is one that many readers will likely find relatable.

Language

One of the things that makes Any Man Speaks such a powerful poem is Tessimond's use of language. Throughout the poem, Tessimond employs a wide range of literary devices, including metaphor, repetition, and irony. For example, the line "I speak of love and you reply / Of politics and ecology" uses irony to highlight the way that the speaker's attempts at connection are met with indifference. Similarly, the repetition of the phrase "I speak" in the first two stanzas emphasizes the importance of communication in the poem.

Another notable aspect of the poem's language is the way that Tessimond uses metaphor to explore the complexities of communication. For example, the line "I speak of death and you of life / With smiles that hide your thoughts" uses the metaphor of smiling to convey the idea that words can be used to mask our true feelings. This metaphor is powerful because it suggests that even when we think we're connecting with others, there may be deeper feelings and motivations that are left unsaid.

Structure

Finally, it's worth taking a closer look at the structure of Any Man Speaks. The poem is made up of three stanzas, each with a different number of lines. The first stanza has six lines, the second has eight, and the third has eight as well. This uneven structure gives the poem a sense of fluidity and unpredictability, which mirrors the way that communication can be both smooth and choppy.

Another interesting aspect of the poem's structure is the way that Tessimond uses enjambment to create a sense of flow between the lines. For example, the line "I speak of love and you reply / Of politics and ecology" is broken up between the two stanzas, which emphasizes the way that communication can be interrupted or redirected. Overall, the structure of Any Man Speaks is one that reflects the poem's themes and language, and it's a testament to Tessimond's skill as a poet that they were able to make these elements work so cohesively.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Any Man Speaks is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the complexities of communication and the ever-evolving nature of the self. Through its use of metaphor, repetition, and irony, the poem highlights the ways in which language can both connect and divide us, and it reminds us that true understanding requires more than just surface-level conversation. Whether you're a seasoned poetry fan or a newcomer to the genre, Any Man Speaks is a poem that's well worth your time and attention.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Any Man Speaks: A Poem of Timeless Relevance

A.S.J. Tessimond's poem "Any Man Speaks" is a timeless piece of literature that speaks to the human condition and the fleeting nature of time. Written in 1937, the poem remains relevant today, as it captures the essence of the human experience and the universal struggle to find meaning in a world that is constantly changing.

The poem begins with the speaker addressing the reader directly, stating that "any man speaks" and that his words are "the same." This opening line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as it suggests that the speaker is not a unique individual, but rather a representative of all mankind. The use of the word "man" is significant, as it implies that the poem is written from a male perspective, but it can also be interpreted as a gender-neutral term that encompasses all of humanity.

The second stanza of the poem introduces the theme of time, which is a recurring motif throughout the poem. The speaker states that "time is a tree" and that "we are the leaves." This metaphorical language suggests that time is a force that is greater than any individual, and that we are all subject to its power. The image of the tree also implies that time is cyclical, as the leaves fall off and new ones grow in their place. This cyclical nature of time is further emphasized in the third stanza, where the speaker states that "the sun rises and sets" and that "the moon wanes and waxes." These natural phenomena are symbolic of the passage of time, and they serve to remind us of our own mortality.

The fourth stanza of the poem introduces the idea of memory, which is closely linked to the theme of time. The speaker states that "memory is a room" and that "we are the key." This metaphorical language suggests that our memories are a key to unlocking our past, and that they are an essential part of our identity. The image of the room also implies that our memories are contained within us, and that they are a private and personal part of our lives.

The fifth stanza of the poem introduces the idea of language, which is another recurring motif throughout the poem. The speaker states that "language is a city" and that "we are the streets." This metaphorical language suggests that language is a communal and shared experience, and that it is an essential part of our social identity. The image of the city also implies that language is constantly evolving and changing, just like the world around us.

The sixth stanza of the poem introduces the idea of love, which is a universal theme that is closely linked to the human experience. The speaker states that "love is a flame" and that "we are the fuel." This metaphorical language suggests that love is a powerful force that drives us forward, and that it is an essential part of our emotional and spiritual lives. The image of the flame also implies that love is fragile and fleeting, and that it must be nurtured and protected in order to survive.

The final stanza of the poem brings all of these themes together, as the speaker states that "we are the leaves that flutter to the ground" and that "we are the keys that open and close the door." This metaphorical language suggests that we are all subject to the passage of time, and that our memories, language, and love are all essential parts of our identity. The image of the leaves falling to the ground also implies that our lives are fleeting and temporary, and that we must make the most of the time that we have.

In conclusion, A.S.J. Tessimond's poem "Any Man Speaks" is a powerful and timeless piece of literature that speaks to the human condition and the universal struggle to find meaning in a world that is constantly changing. Through its use of metaphorical language and recurring motifs, the poem captures the essence of the human experience and reminds us of our own mortality. It is a poem that is as relevant today as it was when it was first written, and it serves as a reminder of the importance of memory, language, and love in our lives.

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