'Tenth Commandment' by David Lehman
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The woman said yes she would go to Australia with him
Unless he heard wrong and she said Argentina
Where they could learn the tango and pursue the widows
Of Nazi war criminals unrepentant to the end.
But no, she said Australia. She'd been born in New Zealand.
The difference between the two places was the difference
Between a hamburger and a chocolate malted, she said.
In the candy store across from the elementary school,
They planned their tryst. She said Australia, which meant
She was willing to go to bed with him, and this
Was before her husband's coronary
At a time when a woman didn't take off her underpants
If she didn't like you. She said Australia,
And he saw last summer's seashell collection
In a plastic bag on a shelf in the mud room
With last summer's sand. The cycle of sexual captivity
Beginning in romance and ending in adultery
Was now in the late middle phases, the way America
Had gone from barbarism to amnesia without
A period of high decadence, which meant something,
But what? A raft on the rapids? The violinist
At the gate? Oh, absolute is the law of biology.
For the pornography seminar, what should she wear?
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Tenth Commandment: A Literary Masterpiece
David Lehman's Tenth Commandment is a literary masterpiece that deserves to be analyzed and appreciated. This poem is a perfect example of how a skilled poet can use language to convey complex emotions and ideas through seemingly simple phrases. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will dive deep into the poem's meaning, form, and structure to understand why it has become a classic in the world of poetry.
The Form and Structure of the Poem
Before we analyze the poem's meaning, it is essential to understand its form and structure. The Tenth Commandment is written in free verse, meaning it doesn't follow a strict rhyme or meter pattern. However, this doesn't mean that the poem lacks structure. Instead, Lehman uses repetition and variation to create a rhythmic pattern that enhances the poem's meaning.
The poem is divided into ten stanzas, each containing a single line. This structure mimics the Ten Commandments, the biblical laws given to Moses by God. However, Lehman subverts this structure by not following the traditional format of the commandments. Instead, he uses each stanza to reflect on different aspects of the human experience.
The Meaning of the Poem
The Tenth Commandment is a poem about desire and the human condition. Lehman explores the idea that our desires can never truly be satisfied, leading us to a constant state of wanting. This insatiable desire can lead to both joy and pain, as we are always searching for something more significant than what we currently have.
Lehman uses several literary devices to convey this idea throughout the poem. The repetition of the phrase "thou shalt not covet" in each stanza emphasizes the idea that desire is always present. However, the variation in each line shows how desire can manifest in different ways, from the desire for material possessions to the desire for love and acceptance.
The poem's language is also crucial in conveying its meaning. Lehman uses everyday language, with simple, direct phrases that are easy to understand. However, this simplicity is deceptive, as the poem's meaning is complex and layered. For example, in the fourth stanza, Lehman writes, "Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife / or his manservant or his maidservant or his ox." This line seems straightforward, but it also touches on issues of power, ownership, and gender roles.
The Poem's Universal Themes
The Tenth Commandment is a poem that speaks to universal themes that are relevant to all people. Lehman's exploration of desire and its consequences is something that everyone can relate to, regardless of their background, culture, or beliefs. The poem reminds us that we are all human and that our desires are what make us who we are.
The poem's structure also reflects this universality. By using the Ten Commandments as a framework, Lehman taps into a shared cultural history that transcends time and place. The poem's free verse form also allows for a sense of fluidity and openness, making it accessible to all readers.
The Poem's Relevance Today
Despite being written in 2000, The Tenth Commandment remains relevant in today's world. In a society that values consumerism and instant gratification, the idea that desire can never be fully satisfied is more pertinent than ever. The poem reminds us that our constant search for more can lead to a sense of emptiness and dissatisfaction.
The poem's exploration of power and gender roles is also relevant today. As our society increasingly questions traditional gender norms and biases, Lehman's words are a powerful reminder of the harm that can be caused by societal expectations.
Conclusion
David Lehman's The Tenth Commandment is a literary masterpiece that speaks to universal themes and remains relevant today. The poem's structure, language, and meaning combine to create a work that is both accessible and profound. Through its exploration of desire, power, and the human condition, The Tenth Commandment reminds us of what it means to be human and invites us to reflect on our own desires and motivations. This poem is a testament to the power of poetry to speak to the human experience and to connect us all.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Tenth Commandment: A Poem of Desire and Envy
David Lehman's "Tenth Commandment" is a poem that explores the complex emotions of desire and envy. The poem is a modern take on the biblical commandment "Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbor's" (Exodus 20:17). Lehman's poem is a witty and insightful commentary on the human condition, and it offers a unique perspective on the nature of desire and envy.
The poem is structured as a series of ten stanzas, each of which begins with the phrase "Thou shalt not." The stanzas are written in free verse, and they vary in length from one to six lines. The poem is written in the second person, which gives it a direct and personal tone. The speaker addresses the reader directly, as if he or she is speaking to a friend or a confidant.
The poem begins with the commandment "Thou shalt not want what thou canst not have." This is a common theme in literature and philosophy, and it speaks to the human desire for things that are beyond our reach. The speaker acknowledges that it is natural to want things that we cannot have, but he warns against becoming obsessed with these desires. He suggests that we should focus on the things that we can attain, rather than fixating on the things that are out of our reach.
The second stanza continues this theme, with the commandment "Thou shalt not envy thy neighbor's goods." This is a direct reference to the biblical commandment, and it speaks to the human tendency to compare ourselves to others. The speaker suggests that envy is a destructive emotion, and that it can lead to bitterness and resentment. He advises the reader to focus on their own blessings, rather than coveting the possessions of others.
The third stanza is a bit more playful, with the commandment "Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife." This is another direct reference to the biblical commandment, but Lehman puts a modern spin on it. The speaker suggests that it is natural to be attracted to other people, but he warns against acting on these desires. He suggests that we should appreciate the beauty of others, but we should also respect their boundaries and their relationships.
The fourth stanza is a bit more philosophical, with the commandment "Thou shalt not desire to be famous." This is a common theme in modern culture, and it speaks to the human desire for recognition and validation. The speaker suggests that fame is a fleeting and superficial thing, and that it is not a true measure of success or happiness. He advises the reader to focus on their own passions and talents, rather than seeking fame or fortune.
The fifth stanza is a bit more personal, with the commandment "Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's life." This is a powerful statement, and it speaks to the human tendency to compare ourselves to others. The speaker suggests that we should be content with our own lives, rather than wishing for the lives of others. He advises the reader to focus on their own goals and aspirations, rather than trying to live up to the expectations of others.
The sixth stanza is a bit more humorous, with the commandment "Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's cat." This is a playful reference to the biblical commandment, and it speaks to the human tendency to desire things that are not necessarily important or meaningful. The speaker suggests that we should appreciate the simple pleasures in life, rather than fixating on material possessions.
The seventh stanza is a bit more serious, with the commandment "Thou shalt not desire revenge." This is a powerful statement, and it speaks to the human tendency to hold grudges and seek retribution. The speaker suggests that revenge is a destructive emotion, and that it can lead to a cycle of violence and hatred. He advises the reader to forgive others, and to focus on healing and moving forward.
The eighth stanza is a bit more introspective, with the commandment "Thou shalt not desire to be loved." This is a common theme in literature and philosophy, and it speaks to the human desire for connection and intimacy. The speaker suggests that love is not something that can be forced or demanded, but rather something that must be earned and nurtured. He advises the reader to focus on being a loving and compassionate person, rather than seeking love for its own sake.
The ninth stanza is a bit more spiritual, with the commandment "Thou shalt not desire to be remembered." This is a powerful statement, and it speaks to the human desire for immortality and legacy. The speaker suggests that our true legacy is not in the things that we leave behind, but rather in the impact that we have on the lives of others. He advises the reader to focus on making a positive difference in the world, rather than seeking fame or recognition.
The final stanza brings the poem full circle, with the commandment "Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's soul." This is a powerful statement, and it speaks to the human tendency to judge others based on their beliefs and values. The speaker suggests that we should respect the diversity of human experience, and that we should not judge others based on their beliefs or their choices. He advises the reader to focus on their own spiritual journey, rather than trying to impose their beliefs on others.
In conclusion, David Lehman's "Tenth Commandment" is a powerful and insightful poem that explores the complex emotions of desire and envy. The poem offers a unique perspective on the human condition, and it provides valuable advice for living a fulfilling and meaningful life. The poem is a testament to the power of poetry to inspire and enlighten, and it is a true masterpiece of modern literature.
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